Could you be damaging your smile every day without realizing it? Unfortunately, you could be weakening your teeth, irritating your gums, and harming your oral health by practicing a few common everyday habits. Thankfully, identifying these behaviors and understanding how they’re impacting your smile can help you begin to get your oral health back on track. Read on to see if you practice any of these five harmful everyday activities and what your Stephens City dentist recommends to protect your teeth and gums.
Brushing Your Teeth Incorrectly
Your dental routine may be doing you more harm than good if you’re using too much force or the wrong dental products! Using a toothbrush with hard bristles, an abrasive toothpaste, or simply too much force while brushing can wear down your enamel and hurt your gums. Try using a soft-bristled electric toothbrush and a gentle toothpaste for a safer cleaning routine.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
Many people use their teeth to rip open containers, packaging, and bags when they’re particularly excited or rushed. However, while it may seem convenient in the moment, it could cost you more time in the dentist’s chair later! To protect your teeth from chipping, cracking, or breaking, always take the time to reach for the proper tools you need.
Snack Throughout the Day
If you have a habit of continuously snacking throughout the day, you’re providing a steady stream of fuel for the plaque in your mouth and raising your risk of tooth decay. Keep cavities in check my drinking plenty of water throughout the day and eating healthier snacks like cheese, turkey, and nuts.
Chew on Fingernails, Ice, or Pen Caps
Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it can easily wear down if you chew on hard objects like fingernails, ice, and pen caps. You could also accidently damage your soft tissues, which could then become infected. Try chewing a piece of sugarless gum or a crunchy vegetable the next time you’re bored, anxious, or frustrated.
Smoke or Chew Tobacco Products
Aside from a plethora of other systemic health concerns, tobacco products can lead to stained teeth, bad breath, and plaque buildup. As time goes on, it also drastically increases your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Breaking this unhealthy habit isn’t easy, but it is well worth the effort. Talk to your doctor, make an actionable treatment plan, and reach out for support—your body and smile will thank you.
Identifying and understanding these everyday unhealthy habits are the first steps towards getting your oral health back on track. Soon you’ll be breaking these bad habits and getting back to enjoying your happy, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling of Stephen’s City, VA is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile and maintain it for a lifetime. With his specialized training from the L.D. Pankey Institute Continuum for Advanced Dentistry and over 40 years of experience, you can rest assured that your oral health is in capable hands. If you need help breaking bad dental habits or treating the damage they’ve caused your smile, he can provide you with the personalized attention and superior care you deserve. To contact him, feel free to visit his website or call (540) 869-4377.