The basics of good oral hygiene are well-known: floss twice daily, brush twice daily and see the dentist regularly. You may not be aware of some other habits that could affect your oral health. We will be discussing 5 surprising habits that can affect your oral health as well as tips for improving your dental hygiene.
Nail-biting
Nail biting is a common problem that can cause damage to teeth enamel and chipped teeth. By biting your nails, you can introduce bacteria from your fingers into your mouth. This can lead to infection and other problems. Use a bitter-tasting polish to break this habit or try other techniques like stress balls or meditation.
Chewing Ice
Even though it might seem harmless, chewing ice can be very damaging to your teeth. You could end up with more serious dental problems if your teeth are damaged by the hardness caused by ice. You can avoid this by drinking chilled beverages without ice, or switching to soft chewing gum.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known by bruxism or sleep grinding, is a very common habit. The teeth can become damaged from grinding over time. This includes wear, cracks, fractures, and chipping. You can talk to your dentist to discuss a custom nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep if you believe you might be grinding your teeth.
Use your teeth as tools
Your teeth can be seriously damaged if your teeth are used to open packages, cut tape or crack nuts. This can cause chips, fractures and even tooth death. You can avoid this by making sure that you have the right tools for your tasks.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is when saliva doesn’t get to the mouth as it should. It can also be caused by medications, medical conditions or dehydration. Insufficient saliva can cause bacteria to build up in your mouth. This can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Your dentist can help you with dry mouth.
It is more than just brushing your teeth and flossing every day. You must avoid certain habits that could damage your gums or teeth. For many years, you will be able to maintain a healthy smile by taking care of all aspects of your oral health.