3 Common Bad Habits That Could Harm Your Oral Health

Good oral hygiene habits are the key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Unfortunately, there are some habits that can wreak havoc on our oral health. Listed below are some of those habits that can damage our oral health.

• Not Brushing and Flossing Regularly

When you don’t brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, plaque can start to build up in your mouth and cause cavities. Flossing is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and food particles from between our teeth and under the gum line. Brushing the teeth at least twice a day also helps remove plaque buildup. If you don’t brush your teeth often, debris builds up on your teeth and erodes the enamel over time, which can make your teeth more susceptible to decay.

Plaque can also eventually turn into tartar, a hard substance that is difficult to remove with brushing alone. Only a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist can remove it. Tartar buildup can lead to other oral health issues, including gum disease and even tooth loss. So keep a good oral hygiene routine for the sake of your smile!

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a common habit that can damage the teeth and bite. However, some people may grind their teeth during sleep without any knowledge of the problem. People with bruxism tend to clench or grind their teeth while sleeping. This behavior mostly occurs at night when we are asleep; however, it can occur during the day too. Headaches and jaw pain are common symptoms of teeth grinding. If left untreated, this can lead to facial pain or TMJ disorders. Other symptoms include worn tooth enamel and damage to existing restorations, such as crowns and fillings. It can also cause problems with dental implants by loosening the attachments and causing bone loss.

Bruxism is caused by many factors, including anxiety, stress, sleep disorder, caffeine consumption, and more. Some common causes include an irregular bite, missing or crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, medications that affect the central nervous system, and other recreational drugs. If you suspect that you suffer from bruxism, be sure to speak with your dentist about treatment options; you may benefit from wearing a night guard. 

• Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends patients visit their dentist twice a year? Visiting the dentist for routine cleanings and checkups helps us detect and prevent common oral problems, as well as maintain good oral health! 

Aside from checking for cavities, we can also screen for any gum disease or oral cancer. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth decay, bad breath, and even affect your whole-body health. During your exam, your dentist will also check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissue, gums, and roof of your mouth to look for any abnormalities that may need further treatment. If we find any problems in your mouth, we can quickly refer you to a specialist for treatment as soon as possible. Taking good care of your oral health is so important, so don’t put off those visits to our dental office every six months.

Wish to learn more oral care tips? Dillon-Costantino Dental can help you. We are located at 10505 West Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90064. Call (310) 475-0617 to schedule your appointment.