Your smile is an important part of who you are, and your teeth are supposed to be with you your entire life. But there are some common things people do regularly that could be harming their oral health. Here are five bad habits that can ruin your smile.
#1 Avoiding Regular Dental Care
There’s no excuse for avoiding the dentist. If you’re nervous or embarrassed that you haven’t seen your dentist in a while, don’t worry. Most dentists are used to patients that have reservations or haven’t seen a dentist in years. They’ll help you through the process and get your smile clean and healthy.
#2 Brushing Too Hard
Of course, not brushing at all is worse, but some people are just too rough when they brush their teeth. Harsh brushing can damage your enamel and gums. Never brush to the point where it’s painful. Healthy brushing should never hurt.
#3 Grinding Your Teeth or Clenching Your Jaw
If you’re a teeth grinder, you could be damaging your teeth or even your jaw. If you suspect you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist.
#4 Biting Your Nails
Biting your nails is not just an annoying habit, it could be harming your oral health. Your fingernails accumulate dirt, grime, bacteria, and a whole laundry list of gross stuff – so why in the world would you want that in your mouth? Protect your mouth and kick this bad habit.
#5 Drinking Sugary Drinks
Sugar is your teeth and gums’ worst enemy. Drinking sugary drinks like juice, soda, and sports drinks can lead to tooth decay. If you must drink something sugary, at least brush afterward. But the best thing to do is kick the habit entirely, and sugar is not good for your overall health anyway.
Even after kicking these bad habits, you need to see your dentist regularly for good oral health. Call Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts for an appointment to see Dr. Zola Makrauer or Dr. Julie Miller today!