Five Habits You Need to Quit NOW for A Healthy Smile
Do You Do Any of These Dentally Unhealthy Things?
How well do you care for your smile? Even if you’re the most diligent brusher and flosser you know, you could be doing other things that are putting your oral health at risk.
It’s important to be aware of these habits so that you can start avoiding them as soon as possible!
1. Nail biting
Not only is this habit unhygienic and downright unattractive, but habitual nail biting can wear away the enamel and put your teeth at risk for fracture or chipping. Take it from our dentist in Milton… you may not see it coming, but it can happen (that is, if you continue biting your nails)!
2. Biting down on hard objects
Biting down on hard objects, such chewing on ice, hard candy or the end of a pen, or using the teeth as tools is another bad habit to avoid. You never know when an accident is going to happen, causing your tooth or teeth to take a serious hit.
3. Not brushing the teeth before sleep
You may brush your teeth the recommended twice daily for two full minutes, but remember, timing also matters. If you aren’t brushing your teeth right before bedtime then you’re doing your oral health a huge disservice! Eating anything containing carbs or sugars before snoozing is detrimental to your oral health, especially since our mouths become dry when we sleep. Keeping bacteria and food particles on your teeth and gums puts your smile at risk for decay and disease as you catch those ZZZ’s.
4. Smoking/chewing tobacco
An obviously terrible habit for one’s oral and overall health; smoking and/or chewing tobacco increases the risk of a number of oral health issues that are irreversible. If you need help to quit, consult a health care professional today. You can do this!
5. Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Many people grind their teeth at night and aren’t even aware that they do. A bruxism habit can really damage a smile – which is why it’s important to pay attention to the signs. If you commonly wake up with a sore jaw or headache, or notice jagged edges/unusual wear on your teeth, see your dentist. (See your dentist every 6 months or as necessary regardless)! This will all help ensure you don’t suffer from a problem you aren’t aware you have – a problem that a mouth guard or night guard can effectively treat.
