Good habits can protect your oral health. On the other hand, bad habits can damage your oral health. Here are some bad dental habits that you should try to avoid.

• Smoking

Smoking causes discoloration of the teeth and bad breath. It also increases your risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Additionally, it can affect healing after dental procedures. Tobacco is one of the worst things you can put into your body, so make quitting a priority for your oral health. Talk to your dentist about resources and tools you can use to help curb cravings. Quitting will help improve your appearance and reduce your risk of disease. If you’re struggling to quit on your own, your dentist can help you with a smoking cessation program or prescription medication that can help you kick the habit for good.

• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

If you wake up feeling sore from clenching or grinding your teeth at night, you are not alone. In fact, as many as one in three people suffer from bruxism. Bruxism is the medical term for chronic teeth grinding and is one of the most common sleep disorders among adults. It typically happens while you’re asleep and can be triggered by stress. The condition can cause tooth sensitivity, worn-down enamel, facial pain, gum recession, and other oral health problems. If not addressed, bruxism can also lead to tooth fractures, headaches, earaches, and more. If you suspect that you’re a grinder, then consider talking to your dentist about it. He or she can examine your mouth for signs of damage and talk to you about ways to stop grinding. To stop nighttime grinding, we recommend using a night guard while you sleep.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Using the teeth for cutting things or tearing packages can cause chips and cracks in the enamel of your teeth. Worse, using the teeth as tools could damage the gums and cause them to bleed or recede over time. Not only that, but it also affects the tooth’s alignment in the long run. Your teeth could be slightly misaligned if you’ve had a habit of using them as tools for a long time. If you’re guilty of this habit, do yourself a favor and break the habit now. Not only will it save you from potential oral problems in the future, but it can also strengthen your self-esteem. 

• Nail Biting

Nail-biting isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a harmful one that can wreak havoc on your oral health. The habit of nail biting can contribute to damage to your teeth, including broken teeth or fillings and worn-down enamel. Habitual nail-biters are also more likely to have gum disease, which causes swelling, bleeding, and tenderness around your gums. Dental professionals can teach you how to better manage your stress with relaxation techniques and recommend products that can help curb your bad habit, such as dental guards that protect your mouth from the effects of nail biting.

If you wish to learn more about good oral care habits, visit our clinic at Winning Smiles Family Dentistry, 7801 Old Branch Ave #206, Clinton, MD 20735. For appointments, call us at (301) 868-2004. We will be happy to guide you further.