Four Bad Habits That Can Damage Your Smile

Your smile is a reflection of your health. Your teeth, gums, and mouth all work together to prevent disease and promote a healthy body. However, poor oral hygiene habits can have damaging effects on your smile.

Teeth Grinding

Have you ever woken up with a headache or a sore jaw? If so, you may be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing you are. Teeth grinding can lead to serious dental health problems. If you grind your teeth on a regular basis, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from damage. Wearing your night guard while sleeping can help protect your teeth from the wear and tear of teeth grinding. In addition to protecting your teeth, the night guard can also help protect your jaw joints so you do not experience pain when you wake up. 

Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common bad habit that can do more than just look bad; it can also lead to serious health problems, like gum disease and tooth loss. Your nails are home to colonies of bacteria, which could lead to infection if they come into contact with your teeth structure. Additionally, nail biting can cause abrasions and even breaks in the surface of your teeth. This can wear down your enamel and cause sensitivity, even if you’re no longer biting your nails.

Not Flossing

Flossing is a vital part of good oral hygiene because it removes the plaque and bacteria that hide in the tight spaces between our teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth over time and contains millions of harmful bacteria that cause cavities to develop in our mouths. When we fail to floss, we leave these harmful materials on our teeth and allow them to linger there. This can lead to serious oral health problems for our patients, including tooth decay and gum disease. So make sure to take the time to floss every day!

Not Going To The Dentist Regularly

Many people skip their regular dental visits because they feel they can still get by without seeing the dentist, but skipping your check-ups can actually hurt your oral health and put you at risk for bigger health problems. Your dentist can spot early signs of illnesses like cancer or diabetes with an oral exam and help you keep your smile healthy.

Skipping your regular cleanings can also increase your risk of gum disease because plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth without regular cleanings. Gum disease can lead to gum recession which can lead to significant bone loss. This can impact your smile’s appearance and function.

By getting a regular check-up and cleaning every six months, you can keep your smile healthy and catch any potential problems before they become worse.

PS Dental in Tigard, Oregon, offers the best dental care services to patients. To find out more, call us today at (503) 574-4000 or visit us at 12017 SW 70th Ave, Tigard, OR 97223.