Avoid Bad Dental Habits to Preserve the Health and Strength of the Teeth

There are many good habits that patients can practice to preserve the health and strength of their teeth. These include brushing and flossing regularly, and scheduling routine dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year. Unfortunately, a person can exercise good oral health care, yet still unknowingly compromise the health and strength of the teeth by engaging in other bad dental habits. The experienced dentists at our family dentistry practice offer services to help patients maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. During routine exams, Dr. Everett Heringer also educates patients on what they can do to improve the oral heath. Here, we discuss some of the bad dental habits that can be damaging to the teeth. To learn more, contact our Bismarck, ND practice, Heringer Dentistry.

Dangerous Dental Habits

Bad dental habits can cause damage to the structure of the teeth and increase the risk of dental complications, including decay, infection, and even tooth loss. Unfortunately, many people who practice these bad dental habits do not even realize the damage they may be causing. Below are some of the most common bad dental habits, and the negative effects they can have on the teeth:

• Nail biting: Nail biting is a common habit that people practice when they are experiencing stress or nervous energy. The nails are hard and brittle, and biting down on them puts the teeth under undue stress. Over time, this habit can break down healthy tooth enamel and leave the teeth vulnerable to decay and other oral health problems.
• Using the teeth as tools: Anyone who has used their teeth to remove the tag from new clothing, open a bottle, or pull down on a stuck zipper has put their teeth at risk. Using your teeth as tools can damage your tooth enamel and leave the teeth more vulnerable to chips and fractures.
• Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding or clenching is a bad habit that often occurs while a patient sleeps. Unfortunately, this habit can be especially damaging. When the teeth rub or clench against one another, they can wear down the tooth enamel and cause chips, cracks, or fractures.
• Smoking: Smoking is a habit that increases the risk of a number of health problems, including emphysema and lung cancer. However, many patients do not realize the negative effect that smoking can have on the teeth and gums. Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of gum disease, discoloration of the teeth, and a decreased ability to recover following restorative dental treatment.

Because of the damage caused by these dental habits, it is best for patients to avoid these practices. Patients that are in need of restorative dentistry treatment to repair dental damage can undergo treatment at Heringer Dentistry.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are looking to repair the damage caused by bad dental habits, thereby restoring the health and strength of your teeth, the team at Heringer Dentistry can help. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to learn more about our comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments.