Do You Have Any Of These Bad Habits?
We are passionate about our patients maintaining regular hygiene exams and scheduling any recommended treatments in a timely manner. However, some of the patients we see don’t always have the best habits, which can negatively affect their oral health. Some patients experience immediate problems, while others may encounter issues down the road. We want to share some common bad habits that can harm your oral health.
Using Teeth as Tools
One of the most common bad habits we notice is patients using their teeth as tools to open packages, cut tags, and more. If you don’t have the right tool, it may be tempting to use your teeth to get the job done, but this can cause serious complications with your oral health. Your teeth are meant for biting and chewing food. Using them as tools can lead to damage such as cracks or broken teeth.
Biting Your Nails
Many people have the habit of biting their nails. Not only can this introduce bacteria into your body, but it can also lead to issues like canker sores. Biting nails can cause problems with the front teeth, such as cracking or chipping from the constant pressure.
Drinking and Eating Throughout the Day
Do you drink coffee or soft drinks throughout the day? Or do you snack frequently? If so, you may be causing harm to your oral health. Each time we eat and drink, we introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth. Since most of our patients aren’t brushing their teeth during the day, this bacteria can lead to decay and gum disease. We encourage our patients to eat at mealtimes and drink plenty of water. If you enjoy beverages like coffee or soft drinks, we suggest drinking them in a timely manner rather than sipping over an extended period.
If you’re concerned that any of these bad habits have already caused damage to your teeth, please call our office in Burton, MI, to schedule an appointment. We can work together to create a dental plan that’s right for you and your needs. We look forward to seeing you and helping to improve your oral health!
