Bad Habits That Could Harm Your Oral Health

According to the Sacramento: 94203 dentists, good oral health is important for several reasons. First, the health of your teeth affects the health of your whole body. Bacteria in your mouth can infect your teeth and gums, and this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss. Second, your Carmichael: 95608 dentist says your oral health affects your self-confidence. People who are confident in their smile are happier to smile, which can help you meet new people and make new friends. However, certain habits can damage your oral health. Read on to know a few bad habits that are detrimental to your oral health.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a habit many people struggle with and can be hard to break. Nail biting can eventually result in chipped or broken teeth and can eventually cause jaw problems. Nail biting can also lead to mouth sores. If your mouth is constantly exposed to bacteria from your nails, this can lead to mouth sores, which can turn into ulcers. In severe cases, tooth enamel can be worn away.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Using your teeth to open keys, rip plastic packages, or open bottles for beverages can damage your teeth. 

• Chewing Ice Cubes

Chewing ice can be so satisfying. But Arden-Arcade: 95825  dentist says chewing ice causes severe tooth damage. The cold temperature causes teeth to contract, which creates a crack in the tooth. These cracks allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause decay.

• Frequent Snacking

Frequent snacking can be a major contributing factor to cavities. The bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugary foods, creating acids in the process. These acids break down the enamel, the protective layer on your teeth. As the enamel breaks down, the bacteria find their way to the inner layers of your teeth and create cavities.

• Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a habit that is difficult to break. According to the National Institutes of Health, 25% of children between the ages of 3 and 5 are thumb suckers. Thumb sucking is a normal habit that begins during infancy and may continue for several years. Many parents become concerned when the habit persists past five years of age. If you have concerns about a child’s thumb-sucking habit, you should speak with your pediatric dentist in North Highlands: 95660.

• Teeth Grinding

Nighttime teeth grinding can take a toll on your oral and overall health. These small yet intense dental habits can lead to worn enamel, dental pain, and damaged teeth. Your dentist in Citrus Heights: 95621 may recommend a mouth guard to prevent your teeth from grinding together. This dental device can be worn while you sleep and can help protect your teeth and jaw.

• Brushing Too Hard

Brushing too aggressively can wear down tooth enamel, irritate your gums, and lead to receding gums. It can also increase your risk of chipping or cracking a tooth.

• Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. The nicotine and tar found in cigarettes can stain your teeth, increase your risk of developing oral cancer, and damage your saliva glands. Without saliva, your body cannot produce enough saliva to wash away harmful bacteria and plaque. This could lead to the development of cavities and gum disease.

• Heavy Drinking

Most people know that their oral health can suffer if they drink too much alcohol. However, you may not know just how bad some of the consequences can be. Here are just a few ways that your dental health can be affected by alcohol consumption.

1. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to oral cancer, which is one of the most common cancer diagnosed.
2. Alcohol consumption can damage the tissues in your mouth, including your gums.
3. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, which can allow bacteria to thrive.

It’s never too late to improve your health habits. If you struggle with alcohol addiction, or you believe that alcohol could be affecting your dental health, contact our office for help.

Please schedule an appointment online or call the Dentist in Sacramento, CA, at (916) 481-2001 to have a consultation with Dr. Talluri. We also serve areas including Sacramento 94203, Carmichael 95608, Arden-Arcade 95825, North Highlands 95660, and Citrus Heights 95621.