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Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth and gums, and teeth, healthy. Practicing good oral hygiene can prevent tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Listed below are bad habits that can severely damage your oral health. 

• Teeth grinding

Bruxism is a common condition that affects millions of American adults. The habit can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and damage to teeth and fillings and can contribute to the temporomandibular joint disorder, a painful condition that affects the jaw joints. The good news is that there are a number of effective treatments that can help end the cycle and allow sufferers to live pain-free lives.

The most common treatment for bruxism is a custom-made mouth guard to be worn while sleeping. The device is designed to prevent the upper and lower teeth from touching together so that the force of the bite is not transferred to the jaws and the muscles are not tense throughout the night. Mouth guards are most effective when worn consistently every night, so patients should plan to wear the device for at least six months for it to have a lasting impact on the condition.

• Using teeth as tools

Using your teeth as a tool to tear packages or open bottle caps is a bad habit that can chip teeth and wear down enamel over time. This can result in sensitive teeth and even cracked teeth. Avoid this bad habit by using tools designed for the task. You can also ask your dentist for tips on protecting your teeth from damage.

• Not visiting a dentist regularly

While some people don’t see the need to visit their dentist every six months, this is important in maintaining good oral health. Regular visits allow dentists to thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of trouble, as well as provide professional cleanings to remove plaque buildup. When you don’t follow a regular schedule, you’re putting your oral health at risk since some oral issues can’t be detected during regular checkups. For example, gum disease often doesn’t show symptoms in the early stages, so you won’t feel pain until it becomes severe. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis can help protect your smile from serious harm.

It is recommended to see the dentist twice per year. However, some people are recommended to visit more often based on their health history. For instance, patients with a history of oral cancer or periodontal disease should visit more frequently than twice a year. Your dental team will be able to determine when you should schedule an appointment based on your unique case.

• Nail biting

Almost everyone bites their nails every now and then, but this may be a bad habit if it’s a regular thing. Biting your nails can cause pain and damage to your teeth, as well as to other fingers and objects you might bite. Many people who have the habit of biting their nails have trouble stopping themselves, so it’s best to try to stop this bad habit before it begins. If you have nail-biting tendencies, try putting bitter-tasting nail polish on your nails to discourage you from biting your nails. If bitter-tasting nail polish doesn’t discourage your nail-biting habits, consider seeing a therapist or asking your dentist for ideas.

• Smoking

People who smoke cigarettes are putting themselves at a much higher risk for oral cancer than people who avoid tobacco products entirely. Tobacco use is also responsible for staining the teeth and affecting your gum tissues. By following through on your dentist’s recommendations for oral care, you will be able to keep your teeth looking and feeling healthy.

• Brushing teeth aggressively

Aggressive brushing is one of the most common bad habits affecting people nowadays. While you may think you are doing a good job, you are actually damaging the enamel on your teeth and making them more prone to cavities. When you brush your teeth with too much pressure, it can wear down your enamel as well as cause your gums to recede over time. The less enamel you have, the more likely you will be to develop a cavity. While our teeth are extremely strong, they are still prone to damage if we are not taking care of them properly.

The best thing you can do for your oral health is to brush twice a day gently for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, change your toothbrush every three months and use toothpaste with fluoride to help protect your teeth against cavities. If you are still struggling with oral health issues or want to learn more about what you can do to improve your mouth’s health, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have about your oral health care routine.

Atlantic Dental, located in Denver, CO, is equipped with the latest amenities and modern technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (720) 738-8888 and schedule an appointment with the dentist.