5 Habits to Stop to Improve Your Oral Health

About 70% of American adults report having at least one “bad habit.” While it’s perfectly normal to indulge in a guilty pleasure every once in a while, certain habits can take a toll on your teeth and gums.

At Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith regularly work with patients to identify habits that can negatively affect oral health and develop care plans to minimize damage. 

This blog highlights five of the most common habits that cause oral issues and provides simple tips for taking positive action.

Five habits that can negatively affect oral health

Your teeth withstand regular wear-and-tear from chewing, but they aren’t invincible. Here are five habits that increase the risk of cavities and damage.

1. Brushing too hard

When you brush your teeth, do they feel sensitive? What about your gums? Do they bleed? If so, it may be due to your brushing habits. It’s tempting to grip your toothbrush tightly and quickly scrub back and forth. However, this can damage your tooth enamel and gums. 

To reduce this risk, use a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently hold your toothbrush handle with your thumb, index, and middle finger, and brush your teeth carefully with wide, circular strokes. 

2. Biting your nails

Many people bite their nails when bored or feeling anxious. While the practice may seem soothing, it can chip your teeth and expose you to harmful germs and bacteria. 

Nail biting is a challenging habit to break. Painting your nails with nail polish or getting regular manicures can help ease the temptation. So can fidget spinners and stress balls. Whenever you feel the urge to bite your nails, fiddle with one of these instead.

3. Chewing on ice

Chewing on ice is similar to nail biting in that it seems harmless but can damage your enamel and increase the risk of chipped and cracked teeth. It can damage dental restorations, like crowns and fillings too. 

To break this habit, use a straw or refrigerate your drinks before consuming them so you don’t have to use ice at all. 

4. Tobacco use

You know smoking is bad for your lungs, but did you know that it increases the risk of oral issues, including tooth discoloration, bad breath, periodontal disease, and oral cancer? Chewing tobacco is just as harmful. 

Quitting tobacco isn’t easy, but your doctor can provide the necessary support. Various medications are available to reduce nicotine cravings and help you achieve your goal.

5. Using your teeth as tools

Do you frequently use your teeth to open packaging or crack open nuts and seeds? Tooth enamel can withstand significant force, but it weakens over time. Using your teeth as tools increases the risk of chips, cracks, and other damage. 

Rather than putting your oral health at risk, grab a pair of scissors or a nutcracker the next time you’re tempted to use your chompers for something other than chewing.

We can help keep your teeth healthy

Another bad habit that can affect your oral health is failing to visit the dentist. If it’s been more than six months since your last checkup, contact Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, to schedule a new patient consultation today!