Worst Habits For Oral Health

Good oral hygiene habits are not only important for a healthy smile, but they also help to prevent a variety of dental problems. On the other hand, there are some bad habits that can deteriorate our oral health. Here are some of them.

• Smoking

The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can stain your teeth. And we all know that smoke can be bad for your lungs – it can also affect your dental health. Smokers are more likely to have oral cancer, smokers have a higher risk for gum disease, and may be more likely to suffer from jawbone deterioration. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting for the sake of your oral health!

Tobacco use in any form is very hazardous to your health; if you’re a smoker, it’s time to quit. Talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to help you quit for good. Your mouth will thank you for it!

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Did you know that aggressive tooth brushing can wear down enamel? The abrasiveness of toothpaste and toothbrush bristles can gradually wear down the protective layer of your teeth over time. This can result in hypersensitivity to hot and cold beverages or foods. When you brush your teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush, it can cause significant damage to your gums as well. When gums become inflamed, it creates pockets in the gum line that trap plaque and bacteria. This can lead to gum disease and tooth loss if left untreated. So, it is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle pressure when cleaning your teeth and gums.

• Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is one of the most common bad habits and occurs when you grind your upper and lower teeth together. It can happen when you are asleep or awake, but most of the time, it happens at night when you are sleeping. It is an involuntary action that mostly happens due to stress or anxiety. If you have bruxism, you should visit your dentist because it can lead to enamel wear, jaw pain, headaches, gum recession, loose teeth, and earaches. In addition, chronic bruxism can cause the breakdown of your teeth and lead to tooth decay and a receding bone structure. If you suffer from the condition, your dentist will develop a treatment plan for you that includes therapies for stress and anxiety management and mouthguards to relieve you from the continuous grinding of your teeth.

• Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

Going to a dentist for checkups every six or twelve months gives us the opportunity to catch problems before they develop into an issue that requires more expensive treatment, like a root canal. Some of the reasons that people avoid the dentist include embarrassment or a fear of the tools, drills, and needles used during the appointment. We can assure you that a visit to our dental office is not painful at all! You may even find that it’s relaxing, especially if you’ve had a particularly stressful day at work and need some time to yourself to unwind. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! We’ll do everything we can to ensure your visit with us is stress-free and provides you with the treatment you need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Ygnacio Dental is located at 1766 Lacassie Ave, Suite 101, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Call (925) 280-2848 to schedule an appointment or to learn more tips for improving your oral health.