6 Bad Habits That Can Affect Our Oral Health

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6 Bad Habits That Can Affect Our Oral Health

Good oral health is not difficult to achieve. All you need to do for it is to practice good oral hygiene. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth every day, you should also visit your dentist regularly. However, there are some habits that can affect our oral health badly. Here are some of them.

  • Not Flossing Enough

Proper flossing is one of the most important habits for maintaining good oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day to maintain optimal dental care. Failing to floss allows plaque to remain in between teeth, which can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.

  • Chewing Inappropriate Objects

Chewing on pen caps or fingernails can cause cracks to form in the enamel of our teeth. This can wear down the dental enamel and cause the tooth to break in the long run. 

  • Soda Consumption

Soda is full of sugar, which encourages plaque buildup and cavities. The phosphoric acid in soda also wears down tooth enamel and makes teeth more vulnerable to decay. If you indulge in soda often, you put yourself at risk for tooth decay. Try limiting your intake of soda to once a week or less. If drinking soda is too difficult to give up completely, consider switching to sparkling water instead. 

  • Grinding Your Teeth

Some people grind their teeth, often either while they’re sleeping or awake. The constant grinding that occurs as the result of bruxism can do damage to the teeth and jaw. Grinding can wear down the enamel on the visible surfaces of the teeth, making them thinner and weaker. It can even wear down the protective layer of dentin that sits just under the enamel. Over time, this can result in weakened teeth and an increased risk of tooth decay. Recurring headaches can also be caused by grinding the teeth. As the muscles in the jaw become strained from repeatedly clenching them, tension can build up from the neck up through the scalp, resulting in chronic head pain. If you’ve bruxism, your dentist may recommend wearing a customized mouth guard to help stop the damage that results from grinding the teeth.

  • Not Visiting The Dentist

Keeping your regularly scheduled dentist appointments is vital to making sure you have the healthiest smile possible. Many people avoid dentists because of fear and anxiety. However, skipping these routine dental visits can lead to serious dental health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. Routine care also helps your dentist catch any potential problems early before they become bigger issues. By visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings, you can make sure your teeth stay healthy and strong for years to come!

  • Smoking

Cigarettes contain many chemicals that can harm our teeth, gums, and entire body. Nicotine and tar can discolor tooth enamel, cause bad breath and lead to tooth loss. Cigars and pipes also contain harmful materials that can cause irreversible damage to gum tissues. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk for oral conditions and improve your general wellness.

Schedule a consultation with our team by calling the Las Vegas Dental office at (702) 248-4448 or Henderson dental office at (702) 485-4777 to learn more about our dental services. We would be happy to help.

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Phone: (702) 248-4448

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140 E. Horizon Dr., Suite C, Henderson, NV 89015

Phone: (702) 485-4777

Email: info@infinitydentallv.com

  • MON - TUE9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • WED - FRI7:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • SAT - SUNClosed
Contact Us