Bad Habits That Can Affect Your Smile Health

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Maintaining good dental health can help keep your smile bright and white. However, there are several habits that can ruin your beautiful smile. Listed below are some of the habits that can affect the overall health of your smile.

• Neglecting Daily Oral Hygiene

Did you know that your toothbrush is most effective when it is used properly? This means brushing twice a day for two minutes each time. Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums, and use small circular motions to brush all surfaces of your teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue too! Remember that flossing is just as important as brushing—and don't forget to floss once a day! Flossing not only removes food particles and plaque from between teeth, but it also disrupts the plaque buildup that can turn into tartar. This can help to prevent cavities and other oral issues. If you are constantly neglecting brushing and flossing, you are putting your oral health at risk.

• Using A Toothbrush With Worn Out Bristles

When bristles are worn down, it makes it more difficult to clean your teeth well. Bristles that are frayed at the ends also don't do as good of a job at scrubbing away plaque from tooth surfaces and gumline. This kind of toothbrush can also lead to damage to the enamel and also irritate the gums. When you notice your toothbrush looks worn out, it's time to buy a new one! It's best to get a new brush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles start to fray.

• Not Getting Regular Checkups

It's common for people to skip out on regular checkups when they're experiencing no pain or discomfort. By skipping your checkup, you could be negatively impacting your dental health. At the very least, you may be missing something important since your dental team will be looking closely for signs of disease. Even if you're healthy, you may need to get a cleaning every six months to keep your oral health on track. When plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your teeth, they can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Even if you haven't experienced any problems yet, you could still develop cavities or gum disease in the future. 

• Grinding Teeth

Grinding teeth is a common habit that can affect both your dental health and appearance. Those who grind their teeth often also experience dulled or chipped teeth due to the friction from the habit. In some cases, the enamel can be worn down completely, causing tooth decay and other serious oral health problems. In addition to experiencing dental issues, people who grind their teeth are more likely to experience jaw pain and headaches. If you are aware of clenching or grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about treatment options to reduce your symptoms and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.

• Drinking Alcohol And Coffee

People who drink a lot of alcohol or coffee often have discolored teeth because both substances can stain drinks, including wine, tea, and coffee. A great way to combat discoloration is to avoid these drinks and stick to water instead. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause plaque buildup and bad breath as well. If you do choose to have an alcoholic drink or a caffeinated beverage, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward. This helps remove any residual sugars or acids from the beverage so they won't sit on your teeth for a long period of time and cause decay or staining.

Please reach out to our dental practice from your nearest location to have a consultation with our dentist. You can call us or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.