Habits that harm your teeth – Everyone wants to have healthy teeth gums. However, there are a lot of factors that can worsen your oral health and contribute to the development of many issues. People who have bad habits usually don’t pay attention to the negative effect of these habits on their health. In this article, we have gathered seven harmful habits that can damage your teeth and gums.
1. Poor oral hygiene
If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, you need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. But if you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, you may get tooth decay, gum disease, and many other conditions over time.
For example, gum disease is an inflammation that manifests itself through gum bleeding, swelling, and redness. If left untreated, the condition can progress and cause gum pockets and even teeth loss. If you have noticed at least some of the aforementioned symptoms, visit a periodontist for precise treatment as soon as possible.
2. Gnawing ice
Many people tend to gnaw on an ice cube while drinking soda or a cocktail. But it is essential to understand that such a habit can cause tooth fracture and gum damage. Try to replace ice cubes with ice cream or drink cold water without ice.
3. Excessive consumption of sugar
People who have a sweet tooth are more likely to get gum disease and tooth decay. The reality is that sugar that lingers in your oral cavity feeds on the bacteria and they start to multiply more actively.
Also Read: 13 Tips For Healthy And Beautiful Teeth And Gums
During their vital activity, bacteria produce acids that soften your tooth enamel and cause cavities.
These bacteria also lead to gum inflammation that is called gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gum redness
- Swollen gums
- Gum bleeding
- Gum pockets
- Bad breath
- Teeth sensitivity
- Teeth loosening
Without timely and precise treatment, gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss.
4. Using your teeth as a tool
If you tend to use your teeth as a bottle opener or another tooth, you should know that sooner or later you can break a tooth or injure your gums. This can result in expensive dental restoration and treatment. That’s why it would be much cheaper to use tools instead of your teeth.
5. Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition in which people clench their teeth. The most common symptoms of bruxism are:
- Excessive enamel wear
- Teeth sensitivity to temperature changes
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you can use a special mouth guard to ease pressure on your jaws and prevent enamel wear.
6. Smoking
Smoking is considered one of the most harmful habits since it can affect the whole body. When you smoke, tobacco by-products build up on your teeth and gums. That’s why smokers are more prone to gums disease, bad breath, tartar accumulation, and stained teeth.
7. Excessive tooth brushing
If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. But some people think that the more often they brush their teeth, the whiter and healthier they will be.
But the reality is that excessive tooth brushing (especially after the consumption of acidic foods and drinks) can lead to enamel wear. This can result in toothache and increased teeth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
The bottom line
It is essential to understand that you are the only person who is responsible for the condition of your teeth and gums. That’s why you should try to get rid of harmful habits and maintain proper oral care.
