4 Habits You Need To Stop Now To Save Your Teeth

We encourage our patients to be proactive with their oral health. Since we see patients so infrequently during the year, we want patients to be mindful of their oral health and contact our office if they suspect a problem. Unfortunately, certain habits can lead to serious complications that can seriously affect a patient’s teeth, gums, and mouth. While some patients experience immediate problems, others can expect to have issues in the near future. We want to share some common habits that can harm your oral health. Read on to learn more.

Habits That Can Affect Your Oral Health

There are a number of habits that can negatively affect your oral health and lead to the need for treatment:

Using Teeth as Tools
When you need to rip open a package or cut a tag, it can be tempting to use your teeth. We encourage you to take a few extra moments and find the appropriate tool for your needs. Your teeth should be used to eat food and nothing else. Using your teeth inappropriately can damage them, causing them to crack and break.

Snacking Throughout the Day
Each time you eat, bacteria are introduced into your mouth and linger on and between your teeth. Over time, these bacteria can cause decay and cavities. It is best to eat at set mealtimes and to avoid grazing on food throughout the day. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day.

Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
During an examination, we may mention that you clench and grind your teeth. It is important to follow the necessary recommendations to stop this. Clenching and grinding your teeth often happens during sleep. The longer this occurs, the greater the chance you will develop worn teeth, tooth sensitivity, and cracked teeth.

Nail Biting
Putting your fingers in your mouth is never beneficial. Biting your nails introduces harmful bacteria into your mouth. Nail biting can lead to bacteria, which in turn can cause illness and painful canker sores. The pressure placed on the front teeth when you repeatedly bite your nails can cause lasting damage to your front teeth.

If you are concerned that any of these bad habits have already caused damage to your teeth, please call our office located in Kaufman, TX to schedule an appointment. We can work together to come up with a dental plan that is right for you and your needs. We look forward to seeing you soon!