Good oral hygiene means keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy to prevent cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, and other problems. Poor oral hygiene and bad oral care habits can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems. Here are some of them.

• Nail Biting

Some patients chew their nails out of nervousness or boredom. This is a bad habit because it not only damages your teeth and fillings but can also affect your jaw muscles and even lead to headaches. Your enamel is the strongest substance in our body, but rough use can weaken it over time. If you must bite your nails, stop it at the earliest to protect your teeth from damage.

• Smoking

Patients who smoke often develop bad breath and yellow teeth. Tobacco stains teeth and makes them look dull and dark. In addition to staining them, the nicotine in the cigarette can cause gums to recede and create spaces where food particles get trapped between teeth and gums. This environment creates a prime condition for bacteria to thrive and cause gum disease. Also, smokers are three times more likely to have oral cancer than non-smokers. So, quit this habit and take care of your oral and overall health. If you’re a smoker and want to quit, your dentist may be able to help you. They can recommend ways to cope with nicotine withdrawals and make quitting easier. In the meantime, it’s essential to continue to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This can help ensure your mouth remains healthy while you kick your bad habit to the curb once and for all.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Many people often use their teeth to open packages, bottle caps, etc. Doing this can lead to chips, cracks, fractures, and other injuries to the front teeth. It can also lead to issues with the molars if they experience too much pressure from the pliers-like grip of your teeth. Instead of using your teeth as tools, use appropriate tools instead.

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Some people brush their teeth too hard or too often. This can irritate the gums and damage the teeth. It can also wear down the enamel that protects your teeth. Enamel protects the inner part of the tooth from decay. A softer layer called dentin sits under it. Dentin is more vulnerable to tooth decay than the enamel above. If gum recession causes more of the dentin to be exposed, you can develop sensitivity and even cavities in the sensitive areas of the teeth. We may recommend a softer toothbrush and less pressure when brushing your teeth. We can also suggest toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. We can apply fluoride varnish to the sensitive areas of your mouth to reduce sensitivity and strengthen your enamel. We may also recommend that you rinse with a fluoride mouthwash or use a prescription fluoride gel at night to fortify your enamel and prevent demineralization that leads to hypersensitivity.

Schedule an appointment with Foxfield Dental to learn more about good oral health. Visit us at 16350 E Arapahoe Rd Unit #114, Foxfield, CO 80016. Contact us at (720) 870-0401 or visit our website to book an appointment.