07 Aug Harmful Dental Habits to Avoid
Everyone has bad habits, but if they’re ones that may be affecting the health of your teeth and gums, you should develop a plan to break them ASAP. Talk to our dentists Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. for any advice on ways that you can improve your oral health by getting rid of these bad habits.
Here are a few that are particularly notorious for potential harm to a patient’s oral health. Make it a priority to improve on these if any of them are relevant for you.
- Chewing on things – especially hard objects – that aren’t food: Items like ice cubes, pencils and fingernails can be hard on your teeth. If you have a tendency to chew on these things to ease your anxiety, you may have an increased likelihood of damaging your teeth or injuring your gums.
- Grinding your teeth: Some patients may not even realize that they’re doing this, but bruxism (grinding of the teeth) can cause the teeth to wear prematurely. If you notice signs of uneven wear and tear on your teeth, talk to your dentist to see if you might be grinding your teeth.
- Inadequate home oral care: Are you skipping out on your daily brushing sessions sometimes? Forgoing flossing? If so, the bacteria in your mouth can build-up and accumulate in plaque and tartar. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily. Rinsing after meals is also useful to clear away any food remnants that might remain in your mouth.
- Postponing routine dental care: If you don’t see your dentist every six months, you may be putting yourself in position for more intensive dental care down the line. Routine appointments with The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX can help to pinpoint concerning symptoms when a condition is in its earliest, most treatable stages, which can mean less of a hassle for you.
- Smoking: Smoking is associated with inflammation, and there’s some evidence that smokers may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Smoking could also result in needing treatment from a cosmetic dentist to restore the look of your teeth.
Giving up as many of these habits as possible will only benefit your oral health. If you need guidance on how to get started or proper techniques for home dental care, contact our team at The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX. Call 972-264-5795 today to schedule your visit for any of our dental services in Grand Prairie.