Good or bad, we all have habits. Some of us crack our knuckles while others have a tendency to fidget. Those habits may be harmless, but there are others that can result in long-term problems. In fact, some of these bad habits can harm your teeth. The team at Michelle Munoz, DDS want you to be well-informed about the habits that may be detrimental to your dental health. To that end, we give you the following list:
Bad Habit #1: Nail Biting
Not only do gnawed-on nails look bad, they’re bad for your teeth, as well. Constant nail biting can damage your teeth and cause undue pressure on your jaw (which can cause temporomandibular joint pain). If those reasons aren’t enough to make you quit your nail biting habit, think about the number of people who touch your desk, pens, pencils, papers, keyboard, and other office equipment before you touch them then put your fingers in your mouth.
Bad Habit #2: Using Tobacco Products
If you use tobacco products, you’ve probably been lectured time and again about the need to quit. As far as your teeth are concerned, you’re most likely aware that tobacco products can stain your teeth. You may not know, however, that they can irritate your gums, increasing the likelihood of periodontal disease (the leading cause of tooth loss). If you’re not ready to quit smoking, be sure to rinse your mouth after each cigarette (or other tobacco product) to clean the tar, nicotine, and other products from your teeth until you’re able to brush.
Bad Habit #3: Constant Grazing
Some people graze on snacks all day long in order to keep their metabolism revved up. While this may or may not do the trick, one thing it does do is keep your teeth layered with food particles, sugars, plaque, and other bacteria. Take a break from grazing and brush your teeth after each meal. If this isn’t possible, then rinse your mouth after you eat anything.
Bad Habit #4: Drinking Sodas, Fruit Juices, or Sports Drinks
Everyone knows that soda is bad for you, but juice and sports drinks, too? Yep! All three have two things in common: acidity and sugar. Together, these create the perfect storm by softening the enamel that protects your teeth and then coating them with the sugars that promote tooth decay. Stick to water whenever possible. When other drinks are called for, follow up with water until you can properly brush.
Bad Habit #5: Tongue and Lip Piercings
Piercings may be common these days, but they’re doing your mouth no favors. Both tongue and lip piercings can become infected. Additionally, they can crack and chip teeth as well as move teeth out of alignment. If you’re a piercing loyalist, be sure to visit your dentist regularly to prevent problems.
The habits we listed only scratch the surface when it comes to your dental health. If you’re worried that these or other habits have harmed your teeth, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients in Uvalde, Texas and the surrounding areas.
