There are some habits we do without thinking. Sometimes they are good habits, such as exercising regularly or eating healthy foods. Others aren’t so good. In fact, some can be harming your oral health and increase your risk for cavities, gum disease, or dental damage. We’re sharing a few bad habits to overcome, so your smile can stay healthy for many years. A few of those are:

  • Nail Biting – While your hands may look clean, biting your fingernails exposes your teeth to harmful bacteria that can get inside your mouth and body. Also, because biting your nails requires you to put pressure on your teeth, you run the risk of chipping or cracking a tooth. 
  • Chewing on Hard Objects – If you enjoy biting ice, pen caps, or toys during the day, you can potentially damage your teeth. It’s easy to crack a tooth or harm your enamel if you bite down on a pen cap too hard or chomp on ice regularly. You also can potentially shift your bite out of alignment.
  • Teeth Grinding – Teeth grinding is commonly done if you are stressed, anxious, or have a misaligned bite. If you wake up with dental pain or sensitivity and fear you grind your teeth too much, it’s important to schedule a visit. This habit can also harm your teeth and lead to chips, cracks, or broken teeth. Luckily, our oral appliance can give you much-needed relief!
  • Skipping Your Oral Care Routine – A busy or stressful day can often tempt you to skip brushing or flossing. However, do this often enough, and you are putting your oral health in harm’s way. Don’t forget to brush daily and floss at least once a day. Plus, visit us regularly for dental checkups to keep your oral health in top shape.
  • Tobacco Usage – If you smoke or enjoy tobacco in some way, you are increasing your risk for serious oral health issues, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer. It’s never too late to quit this potentially life-threatening habit.
  • Enjoying Sugary Foods & Drinks – Sugar is an okay treat occasionally, but if it’s a regular part of your daily diet, it is bad for your oral health. The reason is sugar blends in with the harmful bacteria in your mouth and increases your risk for plaque and tartar buildup. 
  • Alcohol Consumption – Indulging in alcohol can also increase your risk for serious oral health issues. Because it dries out your mouth, you may experience more instances of cavities or gum infections. Also, it can increase your risk for oral cancer as well.

As you can see, bad habits can have a significant impact on your dental health and overall health. By becoming the habits you need to change, you are taking the right step toward protecting your smile. Remember, don’t skip your dental checkup! We’ll examine your mouth for any oral health problems that need our attention. Call Dobry Dental at 586-210-6828 or contact us online for an appointment.