Taking good care of your teeth involves brushing, flossing, and visiting your family dentist, but it also includes some other common sense guidelines to prevent unnecessary damage or premature wear and tear. If you avoid these bad habits, you’ll increase your chances of having strong, healthy teeth for many years to come.
Keeping a Healthy Routine
A regular oral hygiene routine is the best habit you can develop to maintain good dental habits. Many of us fall into the bad habit of skipping brushing or flossing sessions before meals or at bedtime, thus
leaving our teeth vulnerable to attacks from cavity-causing bacteria. We’re also likely to skip appointments with the dentist due to hectic schedules. Regular dental visits are vital to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, so be sure to schedule them according to your dentist’s recommendations.
Another bad habit is not replacing your toothbrush regularly. When the bristles show signs of wear, it’s time for a new toothbrush. In general, you should replace your brush about every three months, whether it’s an electric or a hand-held model.
Harmful Habits That Can Ruin Your Teeth
Other common habits that can cause major damage to your teeth in the long run include:
• Chewing on ice
• Chewing your fingernails
• Chewing on pens and pencils
• Using your teeth to open bottles
• Clenching and grinding your teeth
• Eating sugary foods
• Drinking sugary sodas and other beverages
These habits can cause your teeth to become chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged. If you clench or grind your teeth habitually, you should see your family dentist, because this can be a symptom of a larger issue.
Avoiding sugary foods and beverages helps reduce your chances of developing tooth decay. These foods collect on the surfaces of your teeth and attract bacteria, which leads to decay. These bacteria can also lead to an increased risk of gum disease.
To find out more about habits that can endanger your dental health, please contact our experienced dental team at Bliss Dental for an appointment. Call 972-307-7777 today.