Bad Oral Habits to Avoid

We all have habits, good or bad, whether we’ve had it since we were young or something new we just acquired. They become a part of us and sometimes bad habits can affect us negatively in the long run. And oral health is no exception. When this happens, results can become extremely painful to our health and affect a lot in our daily lives.

Here are a few habits we must try to avoid to for a healthier smile and healthy body:

Smoking

Not only is smoking harmful to the lungs, it also causes a lot of concern to our oral health. Teeth discoloration and bad breath are more common but did you know that it also causes loss of bone density in the jaw, gum disease, and oral cancer? Breaking the habit of smoking can improve one’s oral health and overall health. Consult with your doctor to find the best and most effective way for you to stop smoking.

Drinking (too) hot beverages

Studies have found that drinking very hot beverages is a probable carcinogen, one that causes cancer. When beverages are drank in temperatures higher than 65 degrees Celsius, it could cause esophageal cancer. Avoid drinking beverages when it’s too hot. Let it cool and sip away!

Brushing too hard

There is such a thing as brushing too hard! It can erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums which can lead to gums receding. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid aggressive brushing.

Using teeth as tools

While teeth may be strong, it should not be used as a multitool to open containers, cut strings, and open food packaging. You can crack or chip your teeth and make trips to dentists more expensive. Moreover, this can leave your teeth unprotected to fight tooth decay. Get in the habit of using actual tools and protect your teeth!

Clenching and Grinding

Sometimes, these things are out of our control because we clench or grind our teeth during stressful times or when we are asleep. This can crack your teeth and can erode enamel. Consult your dentist about options in correcting this habit.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month! Follow these tips to avoid any unnecessary dental work and make sure to visit the dentist bi-annually to keep your smile in tip-top shape! Remember, a healthy mouth is a healthy body!