Have you always dreamed of having sparkly white teeth? Have you ever wondered why celebrities have great smiles? The simple answer is good oral hygiene.
Some oral habits may seem harmless especially if you don’t know their effects. But over time, these habits can deteriorate your oral health and leave it in a condition that may be hard or even impossible to reverse.
Here are some bad oral habits you need to stop doing right away.
Smoking
More than being the number one cause of lung cancer, smoking can also cause significant dental problems. It’s not just bad for your teeth; it’s also bad for your overall health. So, it’s a habit that you really need to stop doing.
Smoking leads to different oral problems, such as:
- Bad breath
- Discoloration of teeth
- Tooth loss
- Various gum diseases
- Decreased sense of taste
Unlike any habit, smoking isn’t something you can just quit when you want to. You may have to undergo a smoking cessation program to get rid of it successfully.
Late-night snacking
Eating late at night contributes to unhealthy weight gain and destroys your teeth. This is because your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva to wash off any bacteria and food particles left after eating and even after brushing.
According to a study, people who eat late at night are prone to tooth loss than those who do not. Researchers found out that it was closely related to food particles stuck in the teeth, decaying the teeth in the process.
So ditch midnight snacks from now on by doing the following:
- Curb your late-night cravings by eating healthily during the day.
- On nights that you can’t curb your hunger pangs, consume healthy foods such as a fruit instead of foods laden with artificial sugars, such as cupcakes and junk foods.
- Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth properly.
- Don’t forget to brush your teeth after.
Biting your nails
Nail biting is a common unhealthy habit of people who are tensed, stressed, anxious, or bored. No matter what the reason is, nail biting can be damaging to your dental health. Not only does it make your nails look bad, but it also creates chips and cracks on your teeth.
Nail biting can also cause the following:
Bruxism – This is when you grind or gnash your teeth unconsciously when you’re awake or asleep. Severe cases of this condition can cause jaw problems, tooth loss, and chronic headache.
Shorter teeth roots – This condition is especially harmful to people wearing orthodontic braces. The force of dental braces on the roots of your teeth is already hard enough, and nail biting can increase the pressure, damaging them further. A damaged root can cause gum problems and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Sore gums – This happens when the sharp edges of your nails cut into your gums, creating a portal of entry for harmful bacteria. This can pose severe damage to your gums and increase the risk of infection.
Replace nail biting with a healthier habit such as playing with a stress ball. Alternatively, you can try covering your hands with gloves to stop you from biting your nails. Don’t hesitate to seek the help of healthcare professionals like Farnham Dentistry to educate you and treat your oral conditions before they become worse.
Drinking beverages with high acidity
Beverages like coffee, wine, beer, and soft drinks can cause severe damage to your teeth. Here are just some of their harmful effects:
Cause teeth discoloration – Most colored beverages leave residual stains on your teeth that you may not notice right away. While stains don’t destroy your teeth, they look unpleasant and can affect your self-confidence.
Wear the enamel away – Your tooth enamel protects your teeth from chewing, grinding, and cracking. It also insulates them from extreme temperatures. Acidic drinks wear the enamel on your teeth faster than it should.
Dry up your mouth – Alcoholic beverages are not only acidic and sugary, but they can also cause your mouth to dry up. A dry mouth is the perfect breeding space for mouth bacteria, which can cause bad breath and tooth decay.
While you can’t avoid drinking these things for obvious reasons, you can do it in moderation. Rinsing your mouth with water every time will help prevent oral damage.
Conclusion
Bad habits can’t easily be changed. It takes time and conscious effort to remove them from your life. Just like anything else, one small change in your dental hygiene can lead to tremendous success when done correctly and consistently.
