Oral hygiene may entail more than you realize. You are mistaken if you think it ends with daily brushing and flossing and regular dental appointments. It also involves avoiding harmful dental habits that undermine your constructive efforts.

Thus, good oral hygiene combines hands-on and safeguarding measures to keep your teeth and gums healthy and beautiful.

WHAT ARE HARMFUL DENTAL PRACTICES?

Many things can affect your dental health. So, knowing which behaviors, activities and substances (food, beverages and medications) are damaging to teeth and gums is essential.

Avoid the following detrimental habits. They can have a severely negative impact, no matter how well you take care of your dental health otherwise.

THUMB SUCKING

This habit primarily targets the youngsters and their parents’ proactiveness not to let their children suck their thumbs.

Most toddlers suck their thumbs. Unfortunately, it can damage their developing teeth and compromise their bite occlusion, especially if they do not break the habit beyond the development age. These complications often must be addressed with orthodontics or a fixed dental device.

MAKING TOOLS OUT OF YOUR TEETH

Do you use your teeth to open containers or tear open boxes? This can damage tooth enamel, resulting in weaker teeth that chip easily. Keep a bottle opener, pliers and scissors handy, so you do not rely on your teeth to open things.

NAIL BITING

This nervous behavior can cause jaw dysfunction and chipped teeth.

SUGAR CONSUMPTION

Sugary foods and beverages promote tooth decay because the sugar turns oral bacteria into an acidic layer on tooth enamel.

ICE CHEWING

Tooth enamel and ice are crystal. When two crystals collide, one will break. Usually, the ice breaks first, but sometimes it is your teeth or fillings.

MUNCHING ON HARD CANDY

Chewing hard things can harm your teeth by causing friction on the enamel, resulting in cracks and lost fillings.

CONSTANT NIBBLING

Constant nibbling raises tooth decay risk because it increases the chance of food particles getting stuck on your teeth, harboring harmful bacteria that cause cavities. Thus, eat less and always rinse your mouth with water after a meal.

SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO

Tobacco harms your body and teeth. Smoking causes yellow teeth and increases the risk of periodontal disease, dental decay and more.

OVER-BRUSHING

Despite being a desirable dental habit, brushing incorrectly can be harmful. Vigorous brushing can wear down the enamel, increase cavity risk and cause gum recession.

TEETH GRINDING OR CLENCHING

Also known as bruxism, this stressful oral habit is usually involuntary. However, since you do not realize you are doing it, you will need a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth from this “habit.”

JUST BRUSH MY TEETH DENTISTS CAN TEACH YOU MORE ABOUT DENTAL HABITS

At Just Brush My Teeth, our dental team can educate you and your children while helping you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Contact our office if you need a knowledgeable dentist today.