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Good oral health can help us avoid a number of dental problems. It can also help boost our self-confidence. However, our bad lifestyle habits can have a negative impact on them. Dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, plaque, and bad breath are common in people with bad lifestyle habits. Listed below are a few bad habits that can negatively affect our oral health.

• Smoking

Although some people may believe cigarettes do not pose any health risks to their oral health, the truth is that they do indeed have a negative impact on our teeth and gums. This is why it’s recommended to quit smoking altogether! The act of smoking causes many oral complications, including bad breath, tooth discoloration, gum disease, and oral cancer. Tobacco products are also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Studies suggest that smokers are twice as likely to lose their natural teeth than non-smokers are. This is because smoking can cause gum recession, which consequently leads to tooth loss. Additionally, the chemicals found in tobacco products like nicotine and tar are known to break down gum tissues and make them more brittle. This makes smokers more susceptible to developing gum disease, which causes bleeding gums, sensitive gums, and even loose teeth.

In addition, smoking can lead to dry mouth, which is a condition that doesn’t only contribute to tooth decay but can also increase the risk of some types of cancers. So if you’ve been thinking of quitting, don’t wait any longer! Start today by getting support from your family and friends. 

• Over-brushing teeth

Brushing too vigorously or for the wrong amount of time can cause stress on the gums and inflame them. Over-brushing can also be hard on your enamel and cause recession of the gums. This happens when your gums recede along the roots of the teeth because the roots are more sensitive than the crowns of your teeth. When the gum tissue is pulled away from the tooth root, it causes the tooth to become exposed, which can damage the root and leave you with sensitivity. Chronic over-brushing can also cause receding gums and gum disease. The wrong toothbrush can also damage the teeth and gums. So make sure you pick a soft-bristled brush that is comfortable to hold. And try not to get too aggressive with brushing. When you brush your teeth, focus on the gum line as well as the front and back surfaces of the teeth. 

• Teeth grinding

Many people can unknowingly grind their teeth while they sleep at night or during the day without even realizing it! This is considered a type of bruxism called chronic tooth grinding. Chronic teeth grinding can affect more than just the appearance of your teeth; over time, it can also cause severe damage to your jaw joints and lead to headaches and facial pain. If you notice that you are experiencing any of these symptoms and think you might be a chronic teeth grinder, contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. We will examine your mouth and provide you with treatment options like a mouth guard to help restore your oral health and prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw joints.

• Using teeth as tools

The teeth are made for chewing food in order to break down its structure into smaller pieces that can be swallowed easily. But that doesn’t mean you can use them for other purposes without the risk of damaging them. 

Teeth have a natural protective coating of enamel that protects them from bacteria that can cause cavities and gum diseases. However, this coating can be broken when you habitually use your teeth to open things or tear packets. This makes them vulnerable to these oral problems. To avoid unnecessary damage, avoid using teeth as tools for opening packages and use appropriate tools instead. 

• Biting nails

Nail-biting is a bad habit that can not only be disfiguring but can also be harmful to your teeth and gums. It can cause cracks in the teeth and can also increase your risk of developing an abscessed tooth, which is an infection of the pulp tissue of the tooth caused by tooth decay or injury. What’s more, this can leave you vulnerable to serious oral health issues. So, if you want to keep a healthy smile, it’s time to kick the habit for good. If you are having a hard time breaking it, you can ask your dentist for advice on how you can quit biting your nails.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Harbor Dental, call (970) 377-2456 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 2726 Illinois Dr. #101, Fort Collins, CO 80525.