5 Bad Habits That Affect Our Oral Health

Nail biting and teeth grinding are two habits that can affect your oral health. Nail biting can damage your teeth and lead to cracked, broken, or chipped teeth. Teeth grinding can damage your teeth, damage bones in your jaw, cause headaches, and disturb your sleep.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is not only harmful to your teeth; it can cause other negative effects on your health, like causing jaw pain and infections. If you’re biting your nails because you feel stressed or anxious, talk to your dentist about other ways to manage that. For example, they can suggest relaxation techniques to help you manage your anxiety or refer you to a counselor, therapist, or other professional that can help.

Also, if you’re concerned about how your teeth look because you’re constantly biting them, talk to your orthodontist. They may be able to fit you for a custom night guard that will help protect your teeth while you sleep. Wearing it every night can reduce your number of nail-biting episodes during the day.

• Overzealous Brushing

Most people brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. However, some people take their brushing habits to the extreme by brushing hard or using a toothbrush with too hard of a bristle. Doing so can actually harm your teeth. Enamel is the strongest substance in the body, but when it is worn away, it can become much more prone to decay. When enamel is worn down, the dentin underneath is exposed, which is soft and sensitive. Brushing too hard can also wear down gums, causing them to become irritated and bleed. Talk to your dentist about getting a softer bristled toothbrush if you feel as though you are brushing too hard. They will likely also recommend that you make sure you are brushing in circular motions rather than scrubbing back and forth on the teeth.

•  Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

When you grind your teeth at night, you cause a lot of damage to both natural teeth and the restorations that have been placed there. Regular pressure can cause chips and cracks to develop in your smile. Over time, teeth can become worn down to the point that they break or crack off at the gum line. A custom nightguard can be made to wear while you sleep to prevent you from causing this damage. 

• Chewing Ice Cubes

Did you know that chewing on ice cubes is bad for your teeth? The cold temperature of ice causes tooth enamel to break apart and chip away at the dentin underneath. This exposes nerves and leads to painful sensitivity. Plus, the ice is unlikely to create much saliva to wash away the debris from your teeth.

• Constant Snacking

Every time you snack or eat, your teeth are hard at work trying to break down the food particles. If you are constantly snacking throughout the day or eating sugary foods, then your teeth can become worn down. When your teeth become worn down, this can cause tooth sensitivity and even tooth decay. If you experience pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold, you could have tooth sensitivity due to enamel loss.

In order to avoid tooth decay and tooth sensitivity, you should cut back on your constant snacking during the day and avoid sticky sweets that cling to your teeth. If you cannot go without snacking, keep a glass of water nearby so that you can rinse your mouth out with water after you eat a snack. This can help remove any lingering food particles and help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

If you want to learn more about ways to take care of oral health, visit 406 Dentistry at 1315 U.S. Hwy 2 W, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States, or call (406) 890-6364 to schedule an appointment.