A Guide to Dental Habits That You Should Stop Immediately

Taking care of our teeth and oral health is a major factor to our overall optimal health. Even brushing twice a day and flossing may not be a match for some habits that many of us are guilty of.

Paramount Dental Sydney has a front-row ticket to the aftereffects of some bad dental habits which can be the cause for many treatments. Here are the top 6 habits you should chat to us about stopping today.

Smoking

At this point most people know smoking is one of the worst possible things we can do for our health but, aside from that, what it does to your teeth and mouth is what is noticed early on – some of these issues include:

Yellow or brown stains on your teeth
Bad breath
Reduced sense of taste
Gum disease
Oral cancer

Not flossing

Flossing is key to removing plaque build up and dislodging nasty food particles left behind after meals as well as keeping gum disease at bay.

If you’re only brushing and not flossing, you’re only doing half the job.

Biting your nails

There are so many germs that live under your fingernails and the second you bite them; you’re actively putting everyone one of those germs into your mouth. Aside from that, biting your nails pout stress on to your teeth as your often using the same teeth to bite them. Biting your nails over an extended period of time may even cause your teeth to become dislodged.

Try a bitter nail polish to deter you from bringing those fingers up to your mouth.

Opening things with your teeth

Just because your teeth are conveniently with you at all times doesn’t mean you should use them as tools – this is not why we have them. Opening bottles, boxes etc. can result in chipped or cracked teeth and is hardly worth the trouble. Reach for the toolbox instead.

Chewing on anything other than food

Anything from ice to pens and everything in between. Hard objects in particular can cause damage to your tooth enamel through chips and cracks and can get earn you a ticket straight to the dentist chair.

Boredom snacking

Snacking excessively throughout the day, particularly sugar-high treats, can increase your risk of cavities. When you don’t give yourself a break from snacking it means you have food sticking around in your mouth longer than it should which can cause bacteria to produce plaque and attack your oral health.

Whenever you do snack, always rinse your mouth with water afterward to remove excess food particles between brushing and flossing.

Keeping regular, twice-yearly appointments is key to keeping on top of treating or reversing and damage to your teeth. Do you have an appointment booked?