Bad Habits That Could Be Ruining Your Dental And Oral Health

There are many bad habits that can negatively impact our oral health in Conroe 77318. This includes habits that can harm our teeth and gums, as well as our overall health. Here are some of them. 

• Nail Biting

Teeth are meant for chewing and speaking, not to bite off fingernails or other objects. Biting your fingernails can damage your teeth, causing chips and cracks in your smile as well as gum recession. The more you chew your nails, the more likely you are to develop an oral health problem. You can use products like bitter-tasting nail polish to keep yourself from biting your nails. If you are having trouble quitting your bad habit, visit your dentist in Spring 77373 for ways to help you kick the habit for good. Your cosmetic dentist in Spring 77383 can recommend other ways to relieve stress that does not involve damaging your mouth.

• Smoking

Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine that can damage our oral health. Tar is a dark residue that forms on the teeth and along the gum line over time. It can contribute to gum disease as well as stain the teeth. Nicotine in tobacco can promote tooth decay and slow down healing after oral surgery. In addition, tobacco use is linked to higher risks of oral cancers, diabetes, and other serious medical conditions.

While quitting smoking can be difficult, there are many resources available to help you quit for good. Talk to your dentist in The Woodlands 77380 about prescription or over-the-counter medications that can help curb cravings for tobacco products. There are also many support groups available that you can connect with to stay on track with your smoking cessation goals.

• Aggressive Brushing

When you brush your teeth too aggressively, you can damage the enamel on your teeth. Over time, this can lead to sensitive teeth and increased tooth sensitivity. Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects our teeth from decay and damage. Your enamel can be damaged in a couple of ways, such as thinning or becoming dull and discolored. Your tongue can also become sore and irritated due to aggressive scrubbing. When this occurs, you should visit your dentist in Magnolia 77354 as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your mouth to determine the cause of the problem and then recommend the appropriate remedy.

• Drinking Soda Regularly

Sodas contain high amounts of acid and sugar, which can lead to tooth decay and plaque buildup. If you do drink soda on a regular basis, try to limit your intake or drink it through a straw to limit its contact with your teeth. Try to avoid drinking sugary beverages as much as possible to reduce your chances of developing cavities and general oral health problems.

• Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is a condition where the tongue or teeth are clenched together while sleeping at night. The condition can take a toll on your oral health and damage your enamel permanently. It can also lead to jaw pain, headaches, and damaged teeth over time. If you grind your teeth often, your dentist in Magnolia 77355 may recommend wearing a night guard to prevent the damage from getting worse and help lessen the symptoms. 

• Not seeing The Dentist Regularly

Visiting the dentist in Montgomery County 77356 twice a year isn’t just for fun; it’s a part of maintaining optimum oral health. Even if we find that your teeth are healthy and you’re cavity-free, there are still plenty of benefits that come with seeing your dentist. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as you can.

Cavities and gum disease often develop without any pain at all. By the time you notice symptoms, the disease is already well on its way toward damaging your oral health. By seeing a dentist in Conroe 77318 regularly, we can catch problems early before they have the chance to cause serious damage.

Additionally, regular appointments allow your dentist in The Woodlands 77380 to keep an eye out for signs of oral cancer. With early diagnosis, we have a greater chance of helping patients successfully fight their cancer.

To know more about ways to keep teeth healthy provided by the dentist in the woodlands, call us at (281) 419-2632.