If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, it is essential to pay sufficient attention to your oral health. However, many people have harmful habits that can affect the condition of their oral cavities. As a result, they can develop many oral issues and experience unpleasant symptoms. In this article, we have gathered eight bad habits that can destroy your oral health.
1. Smoking
Smoking tends to be one of the most harmful habits. It is not surprising since tobacco use can significantly affect your overall health including the condition of your oral cavity. When you smoke, tobacco by-products can remain in your mouth and make your teeth dark. Additionally, smoking can increase your risk of gum disease and contributes to tartar accumulation.
2. Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition in which a person clenches their teeth. Bruxism can cause enamel wear, teeth loosening, increased teeth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and other negative complications. If you grind your teeth at night, you can use a mouth guard to protect your teeth. But if you clench your teeth throughout the day (especially in stressful situations), you need to control yourself and break this harmful habit.
3. Alcohol consumption
Even though a glass of red wine can be quite beneficial to your overall health, regular alcohol consumption can significantly worsen the condition of your teeth and gums. For example, red wine and other alcoholic beverages that contain bright pigments can stain your teeth. You should also know that alcohol tends to dry out your mouth and decrease salivation. Additionally, alcohol that contains acids and sugar can increase your risk of enamel wear and tooth decay.
4. Insufficient hydration
Many people don't realize that water is essential for their health. A human body contains a lot of water and you should stay hydrated to avoid negative complications. As for oral health, insufficient water consumption can lead to bacteria overgrowth and decreased saliva production. Additionally, drinking water helps remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth. That's why it is better to drink 8-12 glasses of water a day.
5. Using your teeth as a tool
If you tend to tear packages, tear threads, or open bottles with the hello of your teeth, you can significantly affect the condition of your oral cavity. The point is that you can injure your gums and break your teeth. You should understand that it is much safer (and cheaper) to use bottle openers, knives, and scissors instead of your teeth.
6. Poor oral hygiene
There is a common misconception that it is enough to brush your teeth only once a day. But the reality is that your mouth is full of bacteria, dental plaque, and food particles. If you don’t remove them, the bacteria start to overgrow. This can result in bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral issues. In addition to the fact that it is essential to brush your teeth twice a day, you should also clear your interdental space with dental floss.
7. Excessive tooth brushing
It is important to understand that both insufficient and excessive tooth brushing can be quite harmful to your teeth and gums. When you use a toothbrush with stiff bristles or brush your teeth with force, you can scratch your tooth enamel and gums. This can result in gum bleeding, enamel wear, and increased teeth sensitivity. That’s why it is better to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
8. Untimely treatment of oral issues
Many people tend to use home remedies or take pain medications in the case of a toothache or other symptoms. Unfortunately, most oral issues can be treated only by a dentist. You should also know that many conditions can lead to severe complications like tooth loss. If you have lost a tooth, you should contact the best implant dentist and replace the missing tooth to avoid teeth shifting and facial asymmetry.
The bottom line
If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to take care of your oral cavity. In addition to a healthy diet, and proper oral hygiene, you need to get rid of all harmful habits and visit a dentist on a regular basis.
