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Practicing good habits like these can improve your oral health, prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and save you time and money at the dentist’s office. On the other hand, some habits can harm your oral health. Here are some such habits.

Not brushing and flossing regularly

When you don’t brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis, plaque buildup can negatively affect your overall dental health. Plaque can cause cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and even tooth loss if left untreated for too long. Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time with a toothbrush that has soft bristles is recommended by most dentists. Flossing at least once a day is also recommended to remove food particles from between teeth and along the gum line.

Teeth grinding

When patients are asleep, it is not uncommon for their jaw muscles to go into overdrive as they grind their teeth together. This behavior can occur during both periods of wakefulness and sleep – often without the patient being aware of it. Over time, this can lead to severely worn down teeth or even damaged dental work such as a filling or a dental crown. Even if a patient does not notice any immediate symptoms, frequent grinding can cause enamel to wear away and the gums to become inflamed. It also produces forces within the bite that can increase the chances of damaging a tooth if one does eventually fall out. If you have the habit of teeth grinding, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard while you sleep to prevent any further damage to your teeth and dental work.

Using teeth as tools

Do you ever use your teeth to trim string? What about opening packages or cracking nuts shells? If you’re guilty of doing this frequently, stop! The enamel on your teeth is extremely strong and durable, but it’s still susceptible to chips and cracks from misuse. If you crave the satisfaction of cracking a nutshell with your teeth, do yourself a favor and replace it with a nutcracker. 

Not visiting the dentist regularly

Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings is incredibly important for maintaining your oral health and preventing cavities and gum disease. These regular visits allow your dentist to detect problems early before they become bigger issues.

However, if you skip biannual checkups and cleanings or avoid seeing a dentist because of fear or anxiety, this can lead to serious oral health issues. Your dentist may notice signs of decay, disease, or bone loss, but if you’re avoiding going to their office, they won’t be able to catch these problems early on. Skipping these routine dental appointments can also lead to more serious dental health issues like gingivitis or periodontitis. While both of these conditions can cause tooth loss if not properly treated, it’s easier to treat gingivitis than periodontal disease. If you haven’t had a cleaning and exam in a while, it’s more likely that you’ll have one of these advanced stages of gum disease.

If it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment so you can maintain good oral healthcare.

To learn more about ways to maintain your oral health, visit Mountain View Advanced Dental in Mountain View, CA, or call our dental clinic at (650) 988-9458.