Bad Habits that are Ruining Your Teeth and Gums

Our teeth and gums are the gateways to our entire body. Keeping them healthy is important not just for our appearance but also for our overall health. There are some habits that can affect our oral health badly. Here are some such habits.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a nervous habit that can cause damage to our oral health and appearance. The constant chewing motion of nails can wear down tooth enamel, which can leave your teeth looking dull and feeling sensitive. Nails can also become cracked or chipped when bitten too frequently.

Instead of biting your nails when you are feeling stressed, try finding another outlet for stress, such as exercise or meditation. Also, be sure to keep your nails trimmed short and smooth to prevent damage to your teeth and mouth. 

• Smoking

Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause major damage to teeth and gums. Nicotine and tar in these products cause the teeth to turn yellow or brown over time. They also stain the teeth and make the breath smell bad. Smokers are more likely to suffer from gum disease than non-smokers. Plus, smokers are more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.

While quitting can be difficult, the health benefits are worth the work involved. Many dentists offer smoking cessation programs that can help people kick the habit for good. In addition to improving oral health, quitting smoking can also improve overall health and quality of life.

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism affects about 40 million American adults. The condition occurs during sleep and is usually associated with involuntary jaw clenching or excessive tooth movement. Most patients aren't even aware that they grind their teeth because many people do it subconsciously. However, chronic teeth grinding can lead to symptoms like headaches, earaches, sensitive teeth, and damaged dental restorations.

The most common cause of this habit is stress. Anxiety and stress often manifest themselves as physical responses, such as teeth grinding. It can also lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, which causes pain and stiffness in the jaw joints and facial muscles. Treating this condition early using a customized mouthguard from your dentist is crucial in preventing pain and other complications down the road.

• Using Teeth as Tools

Many people use their teeth to open packages, tear off tags, and tear tape from boxes. This repeated use of teeth as tools can lead to broken or chipped teeth and wear down enamel. Not to mention the pressure of repeatedly "using" your teeth to crack the ice in a drink can cause pain and damage as well. So next time you need to open a package, grab scissors or appropriate tools instead.

• Not Visiting A Dentist Regularly

When people don't visit their dentist twice a year, they open the door to a variety of oral and overall health problems. Routine exams and cleanings have many benefits, such as checking for any potential issues, such as oral cancer or gum disease, before they develop into more serious problems. It also gives your dentist a chance to take a look around your mouth and notice anything abnormal that may need to be addressed immediately, like a broken tooth or an abscessed tooth. When you don't schedule regular cleanings and exams, you are also putting yourself at risk for developing cavities and gum disease. These two oral health issues can cause you to lose your teeth, and you shouldn't have to suffer from pain and discomfort. Your mouth is the gateway to your whole health and taking care of it is an essential part of your overall health maintenance. Failing to visit the dentist regularly can also lead to bone loss in your jaw, which, over time, can lead to tooth loss. Once this happens, it can be difficult to get it back because the bone that used to surround those lost teeth is no longer there to support them. Keeping up with your oral health is important to your overall well-being and shouldn't be ignored. Make an appointment with your dentist today to keep your mouth healthy and pain-free for years to come!

If you wish to learn more tips, contact our dentist in Boston, MA, right away. For the best dental care, visit Charles Street Dental at 121 Charles St S Boston, MA, or call us.