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From sipping sugary drinks all day to skipping the floss, some seemingly harmless routines can quietly damage your smile over time. Being familiar with habits that may harm your oral health (more than you realize) can help you to keep your teeth and gums happy.
See Adam Cottrill, DMD, at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, to maintain a flawless smile or fix any imperfections.
Here are 10 habits to limit or avoid to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
1. Skipping the floss
Flossing daily is one of the best ways to optimize oral health, as it reduces plaque and tartar buildup between your teeth that can cause cavities and gum disease. Flossing may also reduce the risk of bad breath, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
2. Sipping on sugary drinks
Sugar-sweetened drinks don’t just increase the risk of obesity and chronic diseases; they also boost your chance of developing tooth decay. If you find yourself sipping on sodas, sweet tea, sugary sports drinks, or sugar-sweetened coffee drinks, choose water or no-added-sugar alternatives to enhance dental health.
3. Nail biting
Nail biting can cause problems with your jaw, chip your teeth, or cause unnecessary wear-and-tear on your smile. If you need help breaking this common habit, paint your nails with polish or try stress-management techniques such as yoga, tai chi, massage, or outdoor walks.
4. Brushing too hard
While brushing is a highly effective way to reduce tooth decay and gum disease, brushing your teeth too hard — especially with a hard-bristled brush — may damage your gums and teeth over time. To avoid this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush after meals, brush gently, and replace your toothbrush about every 3-4 months.
5. Chewing on hard objects
Chewing on things like ice, pens, or hard candies can damage your teeth, erode the enamel, and increase the risk of chips and cracks. Avoid chewing on hard objects or opening packages with your teeth to keep your smile beautiful.
6. Snacking on sugar-sweetened foods
Snacking on sugary foods, particularly sticky candies, can cause plaque and tartar to build up — especially if you don’t brush your teeth immediately afterward. Pass on sugary treats between meals in favor of fresh fruits, unsweetened dairy foods, nuts, or crunchy vegetables dipped in hummus.
7. Drinking alcohol
Drinking alcohol can indirectly affect your dental health, as its consumption is linked to dry mouth, decreased saliva flow, a weakened immune system, and a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation to protect your oral health. If you’re not currently an alcohol drinker, don’t start.
8. Clenching and grinding
Clenching and grinding can cause wear-and-tear on your teeth, chips, cracks, muscle pain, and/or restricted jaw movement. You can’t always avoid clenching and grinding. However, wearing a mouthguard when you sleep or play contact sports and trying relaxation techniques for stress management can protect your smile.
9. Smoking
Smoking and using other tobacco products may harm your dental health and overall well-being. Studies show that tobacco products increase the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems. They can also stain your teeth and cause dry mouth or bad breath.
10. Skipping professional teeth cleanings
Professional teeth cleaning by a dentist and hygienist is more effective than brushing and flossing at home. To maximize your oral health, don’t skip professional teeth cleanings. See your dentist at least once yearly and schedule professional cleanings with your hygienist at least every six months to minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Maximizing oral health
Things you can do at home to enhance your oral health include:
- Brush after meals
- Floss daily
- Avoid sugary drinks
- Choose balanced snacks without added sugar
- Straighten crooked teeth for easier cleaning
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months
Visit Dr. Cottrill at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry right away if you experience tooth pain or discoloration, bleeding gums, gum recession, soft tissue changes, or other symptoms that may indicate an oral health problem.
Call our office to schedule an appointment or request a visit online today to optimize your dental health and overall well-being.