Are These Bad Habits Affecting Your Oral Health?

At Noble Oaks Dentistry, we are passionate about helping our patients have the best oral health. There are two common ways this can be achieved:

• The first is to visit our office for an oral hygiene examination and cleaning every four to six months.
• The second is to care for and clean your teeth properly between visits.

We only see many of our patients a few times during the year, which is why it’s important to stay mindful of your oral health between visits. Unfortunately, some patients develop bad habits that can negatively affect their teeth and gums, leading to complications now and in the future. Here are a few common bad habits to watch out for:

Using Teeth as Tools
Do you ever use your teeth to open a package, cut a tag, or tear open a bag? While it may seem harmless, this habit can damage your teeth and cause cracks or chips in the enamel. The same kind of damage can occur if you frequently bite your nails! We encourage you to take a few minutes to find the right tool to perform the job correctly (such as a pair of scissors or a nail file).

Snacking Throughout the Day
Every time you eat or drink, you introduce harmful bacteria into your mouth. Saliva and water can help wash away some bacteria, but there will always be some that linger on and between your teeth. The more times a day you reach for a snack, the more bacteria will build up in the mouth. This issue can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so it’s important to limit snacks and eat only at mealtimes.

Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
Most people who have this bad habit are not aware until they are notified by a dentist. Clenching and grinding your teeth often occurs at night during sleep. This repeated motion can lead to worn, cracked, and broken teeth. If we mentioned this during your recent visit, don’t forget to follow our recommendations.

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