Bad Habits That Worsen Your Oral Health – There are a lot of factors that can affect the condition of your oral cavity. If you don’t pay sufficient attention to the condition of your teeth and gums, you may face various complications. People that have bad habits are more prone to develop certain oral issues. In this article, we have gathered eight bad habits that worsen your oral health.
1. Smoking
It is essential to understand that smoking can have a lot of negative effects on your body including your oral cavity. People who smoke are more prone to develop gum disease, bad breath, stained teeth, and tartar build-up. If you smoke, it is better to visit a dental clinic regularly to undergo teeth cleaning procedure and evaluate the condition of your oral cavity.
2. Insufficient water consumption
Water is essential for the normal function of your body. If you don’t drink enough water, the amount of saliva can decrease. This can result in mouth dryness, bacterial overgrowth, bad breath, and other oral issues. Additionally, water helps remove bacteria and food particles from your mouth. You can also rinse your mouth with plain water after each meal to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
3. Poor oral hygiene
If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth properly, it can result in bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, tartar accumulation, and other issues. That’s why you need to brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss daily.
4. Using your teeth as a tool
Many people tend to open bottles and packages with the help of their teeth. This can result in fractured teeth, gum injuries, and other negative complications. You should understand that it is much cheaper to buy a bottle opener and scissors rather than treat your teeth and gums.
5. Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is a condition in which a person clenches their teeth. Many people who have this issue can get sensitive teeth, toothache, loose teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and many other negative complications. If you clench your teeth at night, you can use a mouthguard while sleeping. But if you grind your teeth throughout the day, you should control yourself to get rid of this harmful habit.
6. Having a sweet tooth
It is important to understand that people who have a sweet tooth are more likely to develop tooth decay. The point is that sugar promotes bacterial overgrowth. During their vital activity, these bacteria produce acids that soften your tooth enamel and this leads to the development of cavities. That’s why it is better to limit the consumption of sweets and rinse your mouth after eating.
7. Coffee addiction
If you drink too much coffee, it can affect the condition of your teeth. You should know that coffee is an acidic drink that can soften your tooth enamel. Additionally, some people who drink a lot of coffee have dark and stained teeth. If you are fond of coffee, it is better to limit its consumption and add milk to it.
8. Alcohol consumption
Alcohol beverages tend to dry out your mouth and decrease salivation. You should also know that alcoholic drinks that contain sugar and acids are a double-trouble for your oral health. They contribute to bacterial overgrowth and help remove your tooth enamel. Try to stay hydrated when you drink alcohol.
The bottom line
If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene, follow a healthy diet, get rid of bad habits, and visit your dentist regularly. Otherwise, you can develop many oral issues that require treatment.
