Everyone knows that brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly are the best, most effective ways to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free. What you might not know is that certain everyday behaviors can lead to damage over time, especially if you aren’t aware of them.
At Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, our experienced team regularly sees seemingly harmless patterns affect patients’ oral health. To counteract these risks, this blog highlights seven habits that can harm your teeth. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll know what to do instead to lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily may seem like a hassle, but it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and bad breath. That’s because both habits help prevent plaque, a sticky film made of food particles, saliva, and bacteria, from building up on your teeth and beneath your gums.
For optimal results, brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once. Brushing should take at least two minutes. Move your brush in gentle, circular motions rather than scrubbing back and forth, and be sure to clean all areas of your teeth, including the chewing surfaces, fronts, and backs.
Many people think they need to brush their teeth vigorously to remove plaque and bacterial buildup. However, this can increase the risk of serious oral issues, including gum recession and enamel erosion.
If you tend to brush too hard, consider switching from a manual toothbrush to an electronic one. Many modern electronic toothbrushes are designed to deliver consistent vibrations that help remove plaque. It’s also helpful to hold your toothbrush handle between your thumb and index finger, rather than with your fist. This encourages a lighter grip and reduces the risk of damage.
Life is busy, and some people don’t always have time to sit down for regular meals. This can lead to round-the-clock snacking, which can help curb hunger, but also increase the risk of tooth damage.
When you graze on snacks or drink sugary beverages throughout the day, you feed the oral bacteria in your mouth. These microorganisms produce acid that comes in contact with your tooth enamel, increasing the risk of damage and tooth decay.
There’s nothing wrong with having snacks. Just try to schedule them several hours apart. This gives your mouth plenty of time to produce saliva, which helps neutralize the acid and strengthen your tooth enamel.
When you’re struggling to open a food container or any other type of stubborn packaging, do you tend to use your teeth? This habit can seem harmless, especially when it works. But if it becomes a regular occurrence, it can place excessive force on your teeth, weakening your enamel and increasing the risk of cracks, chips, and other tooth damage.
It can be annoying to stop what you’re doing and find a pair of scissors or a knife, but do it anyway. This one change alone can keep your teeth strong and prevent the need for emergency dentistry.
A recent Health Policy Institute study found that 70% of dentists report increased patient grinding or clenching. These habits are often a response to stress, but over time, they can place excessive pressure on your enamel, weakening your teeth and increasing the risk of damage.
It isn’t always easy to catch teeth grinding or jaw clenching, as it often happens during sleep. However, you can take steps to protect your oral health. For example, wearing a nightguard or a similar device can create a protective barrier that helps prevent enamel damage. These tools can also support proper jaw alignment, which may reduce headaches and strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Visiting the dentist every six months for dental exams and teeth cleanings isn’t always easy, especially with a busy schedule. Still, it’s important not to put these checkups off. Many oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, develop slowly and don’t always present obvious symptoms.
Regular checkups can catch these and other problems early and provide peace of mind. They’re also a great opportunity to ask questions and build a relationship with your dentist.
Does your mouth regularly feel parched or sandpapery? While many consider these sensations minor annoyances, they can increase the risk of cavities if left untreated.
Dry mouth can result from various causes, including mouth breathing, dehydration, and certain prescription medications. Regardless, saliva production is necessary for a healthy mouth because it rinses your teeth, supports enamel remineralization, and slows bacterial growth.
After an oral exam, we can determine the cause and recommend treatment to restore saliva flow.
Whether you identify with some or all of these bad habits, you don’t have to keep making the same mistakes. After an oral exam, dental X-rays, and a discussion of your lifestyle, we can help you develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan can lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. To get started, contact Willow Glen Dental Center today. Call our office or message us to schedule your visit.
