When it comes to dental health, most of us think of the basics – brushing twice a day, using mouthwash and visiting dentist Llandudno for regular checkups. However, our daily habits could actually be having a negative impact on our teeth and gums without us even realising. In this blog post, we’ll look at 7 surprising bad habits that could be harming your dental health.
Table of Contents
1) Not Rinsing your Toothbrush
It may seem counter-intuitive, but not rinsing your toothbrush after use can actually be damaging to your dental health. After you brush your teeth, food particles and plaque can remain stuck on the bristles of the toothbrush, which can eventually lead to the growth of bacteria. To prevent this from happening, make sure to rinse your toothbrush with warm water after every use. Additionally, it’s a good idea to store your toothbrush in an upright position so that it can dry properly and discourage bacteria from growing.
2) Not Changing Your Toothbrush
We all know that it’s important to brush our teeth twice a day and to visit the dentist regularly, but one bad habit that could be harming your dental health without you even knowing it is not changing your toothbrush often enough. It’s recommended by dentist north wales that you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles start to fray, whichever comes first.
Not changing your toothbrush can lead to bacteria building up in the bristles which can then spread to your mouth and gums and cause irritation and inflammation. Additionally, a worn-out toothbrush won’t be as effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth, meaning that you won’t be able to keep your teeth and gums as clean as possible.
3) Not Flossing
Flossing is one of the most overlooked and important steps in maintaining oral health. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, without flossing, bacteria can still linger in between the teeth and cause plaque buildup and gum disease. Flossing not only removes food particles and plaque, but also helps to stimulate the gums and reduce inflammation.
4) Chewing on Ice
Chewing on ice may seem like an innocent habit, but it can actually cause some serious damage to your teeth. Ice is one of the hardest substances around, and when you chew on it, you are essentially grinding away at your teeth. This can cause chips, fractures, and even cracks in your enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and more serious dental problems down the road. Not only can chewing on ice damage your teeth, but it can also cause pain and discomfort in your jaw.
5) Biting Your Nails
Biting your nails is a bad habit that many of us partake in. Whether we are feeling anxious or just bored, the urge to nibble on our nails can be hard to resist. Unfortunately, this can have a negative effect on your dental health.
When you bite your nails, you are putting your teeth at risk of chipping and cracking. In addition, bacteria and other germs can linger in the nail bed, which can transfer to the mouth and cause infection. Not to mention, the force of biting your nails can cause jaw pain and headaches.
6) Smoking
Smoking is one of the most damaging habits when it comes to your dental health. Smoking not only stains your teeth, but can also cause periodontal (gum) disease and even lead to tooth loss. In addition, smoking decreases the amount of saliva that is produced in your mouth, which in turn can create a breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended that you quit immediately to reduce the chances of further damage to your teeth and gums.
7) Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, can be caused by stress, but even if you don’t think you’re doing it, it could still be happening while you sleep. Over time, grinding your teeth can wear down your tooth enamel and cause your teeth to become more sensitive. In the long run, this could lead to cavities and other dental problems. If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night, speak to your dentist about how to prevent further damage. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard at night may help reduce the wear and tear on your teeth.
