- Brushing too hard can damage tooth enamel and gums, leading to sensitivity, recession of gums, and even gum disease.
- Using your teeth as tools can cause chipped or cracked teeth, wear and tear on your teeth, and increase the risk of infections.
- Ignoring dental appointments can lead to more severe problems.
- Consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks can cause cavities, erosion of enamel, and gum problems.
- Smoking and using tobacco products can stain teeth, increase the risk of gum disease, and increase the risk of oral cancer.
Taking care of our teeth and gums is essential to maintaining good oral health. However, there are some bad practices that we often engage in without realizing how much harm they are causing to our teeth and gums.
These bad practices can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. This blog post will discuss the top bad practices that can damage your teeth and gums and provide you with some tips on how to avoid them.
Brushing too hard
Many people think that brushing harder will clean their teeth better, but that’s not true. Brushing too hard can damage your tooth enamel and gums. It can cause sensitivity, gum recession, and even gum disease. To avoid this problem, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush your teeth gently with circular motions.
Using your teeth as tools
Did you know that using your teeth as tools for anything other than their intended purpose can cause severe damage? When you consider the everyday items you use your teeth for, such as opening packages, holding pens, and even cracking nuts, it’s not surprising that they are at risk. Here are the things that might happen if you keep using your teeth as tools:
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Using your teeth as tools can cause chips, cracks, or fractures, which can be painful and cause long-term damage. Cracks can start small and grow bigger over time, leading to tooth loss or the need for extensive repair. Furthermore, if bacteria enter these cracks, it can cause infections, leading to more severe problems.
Wear and Tear on Teeth
Using your teeth to open bottles, bags, or other tough wrappings, or to hold things like nails or pens, can cause tremendous wear and tear on your teeth. This can cause your teeth to become dull or sharp, making it more difficult to properly bite and chew your food. When your enamel is worn down, you become more likely to develop cavities, and your overall dental health can be compromised.
Ignoring dental appointments
Dental checkups are not just about cleaning your teeth. They are also about detecting and preventing dental problems before they become serious. You may miss out on essential steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy by ignoring dental appointments. Regular checkups with your trusted dentist can catch issues before they cause discomfort or further damage, so make sure you go to your appointments.
Consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Sugary and acidic foods and drinks are some of the worst nightmares for your teeth and gums. They can cause cavities, erosion of enamel, and gum problems. Limit your consumption of these foods and drinks, and remember to rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum after eating or drinking them.
Smoking and using tobacco products
Smoking and using tobacco products can negatively affect one’s health. While many focus on the risks to the lungs and heart, the impact on dental health is often overlooked. The truth is that smoking and tobacco use can severely impact the well-being of your teeth and gums. Here are the effects:
Stained teeth
One of the most noticeable effects of smoking and tobacco use on teeth is yellow or brown staining. The tar and nicotine in tobacco products can quickly and easily discolor teeth, making them look unattractive and unhealthy. These stains are often difficult to remove with regular brushing and require professional dental cleaning or even cosmetic treatments.
Gum disease
Gum disease is a severe condition that results from bacteria buildup in the mouth. Smoking and tobacco use increase the risk of gum disease by compromising the body’s immune system and reducing its ability to fight infection. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even jawbone deterioration when left untreated.
Increased risk of oral cancer
The chemicals in tobacco products have been linked to cancers of the mouth and throat. The risk of developing oral cancer is significantly higher in individuals who smoke or use tobacco regularly. In addition to the risk of cancer, smoking can lead to dry mouth, a common risk factor for tooth decay and gum disease.
The Bottom Line
Your oral health is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. You can keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy by avoiding these bad practices and following good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take care of your teeth and gums today to enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
