Everyone has those little habits that they find themselves doing all the time. It is humble bagging, tapping the feet, or leaving the toilet seat up for some time. But while these habits may be annoying to others, they are not exactly affecting your health. You may be making other habits that are not good for your oral health. And no matter how regularly you floss, brush or visit the dentist if you are still doing these habits at the end of the day, you are damaging your teeth. Discussed below are some of those habits that could put your oral health at risk.
Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Many people grind or clench their teeth occasionally. Medically, this habit is referred to as Bruxism. If you do it once in a while, it may not cause any harm. But if you are regularly grinding your teeth, it could affect your oral health and lead to other health complications. Anxiety and stress can lead to teeth grinding, but often it happens when one is sleeping due to an abnormal bite or crooked teeth. The American Dental Association recommends trying out some relaxation exercises to ease the tension or wearing a mouthguard when going to bed.
Nail Biting
A lot of people have bitten their nails at some point. It usually starts when one is a child, but most people outgrow it. It can become a lifelong habit that is difficult for others to quit. Once it becomes a habit, people will often do it when they are bored, anxious, stressed, or need to concentrate. However, this habit can affect your jaw and lead to chipped teeth. Placing the jaw in a protruding position for an extended period can put pressure on it, leading to jaw dysfunction. Due to the adverse effects of prolonged nail-biting. Some of the ways you can stop this behavior are by using bitter-tasting nail polish, looking for other healthy ways to reduce anxiety or stress, or holding something in your hands to keep you busy.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
When you are finding a bag of chips difficult to open, or you cannot rip off a plastic tie cord, the go-to tool for most people will be their teeth. People pull, rip or even hold things in their mouth, leading to some serious oral health issues. Why not just get a pair of scissors or any other tool which is not only convenient but protects your teeth? Your teeth are for eating food, and they should never be used as an alternative when you cannot find the right tool for the job. Otherwise, you risk a jaw injury or cracked teeth. The solution is simple. Take the time to walk and find the right tool for whatever activity you need.
Brushing Teeth and Gums Too Hard
While brushing your teeth and gum regularly is good practice, you might also be brushing them too hard, thinking it is the correct technique to get rid of all bacteria. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush or pressing it too hard as you brush, because you can damage your gum and teeth. Brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and you will still manage to keep your oral health in check.
Not Seeing The Dentist Regularly
Besides the habits mentioned above that could damage your teeth, some people also skip regular dental checkups. Visiting your dentists often gives them the chance to identify any dental issues you may have before they become serious. Even when you are feeling okay, it is still good to schedule two dental visits a year just to be safe.
Your oral health affects your general health. To be safe, try and avoid these bad habits for a healthy and brighter smile.