Harmful Dental Habits To Avoid

Just like bad habits can have a negative effect on your waistline or your wallet, there are some routine activities that can harm your teeth as well. If you want to avoid spending time and money to correct the problems that can arise, you should break these bad dental habits and make sure that you’re practicing beneficial ones instead.

Which habits can harm my teeth and gums?

Certain bad habits can harm your teeth by exposing them to potential damage, while others can exacerbate inflammation in the soft tissues that can cause a variety of problems. Here are just a few of the dental habits that can be harmful to your smile.

  • Snacking on sticky, sweet foods: The residue from sticky, sweet foods can linger on your teeth, providing a nutrition source for the oral bacteria that can then attack your teeth and gums.
  • Frequent soda consumption: Sodas are very acidic, and those acids can weaken your teeth.
  • Smoking: Tobacco use increases inflammation throughout your body, including in your gum tissue. It also leaves ugly, yellow stains on your teeth.
  • Chewing on non-food objects: Chewing on hard non-food items can cause your teeth to chip or crack.

If you can eliminate these habits from your life, it’s much less likely that you’ll need to see your dentist for involved treatment, such as dental crowns or periodontal treatments.

How To Keep Your Smile As Healthy As Possible

In addition to kicking those bad habits described above to the curb, you should also be practicing dental habits that improve your oral health:

  • See your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings: This routine professional care helps to keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition.
  • Practice good oral hygiene at home: Between your office visits, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily to keep your teeth as clean as possible.
  • Eat a nutritious diet: Make sure that you’re getting enough of the nutrients that your smile needs to stay healthy, such as calcium.
  • Drink enough water: Dry mouth can lead to bacterial buildup in the oral cavity, so make sure you’re drinking enough water to stay hydrated and maintain an ample supply of saliva.

Do you want to know more about which habits can harm your teeth and which ones can help? Ask at your next checkup or contact our team at Cowdin Cosmetic Dentistry. We are your partners in keeping your smile as healthy as possible!