Sciota, Pennsylvania
Staying in good health means maintaining good habits. This applies whether we are talking about your overall health or your oral health. Oral hygiene is one of those habits. The American Dental Association recommends that each individual brush their teeth twice per day, floss daily, and visit their dentist at least twice a year for a professional dental cleaning and a thorough examination of their teeth and mouth.
While establishing good habits is important, maintaining a high level of oral health also means breaking any bad habits. Which ones qualify as bad? We explore that topic today on the blog with four habits that could jeopardize your dental health.
Using your teeth as tools
You should only use your teeth to bite and chew your food. Many people who have weakened or fractured teeth ended up in that situation because they used their teeth when opening plastic wrap. Or because they bite down on pencils or pens or chew their nails. Even crunching on ice cubes can do damage. Chewing inanimate objects—ice included—exposes your teeth to inordinate amounts of harmful force.
Brushing too hard
There is a rather widespread misconception that hard-bristled toothbrushes clean your teeth more thoroughly than their soft-bristled counterparts. Likewise, bearing down hard when brushing your teeth can do more harm than good. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or too much pressure when you brush can be destructive to the soft tissue of your gums and grind away at your tooth enamel, greatly increasing your risk of tooth decay. The ADA recommends patients use a toothbrush with softer bristles as toothbrushes of this type actually clean your teeth better, while placing much less pressure on your teeth and gums. When you brush, use a gentle circular motion.
Tooth grinding
Clinically known as bruxism, this habit often occurs with people when they sleep. Stress is the most common cause of bruxism, and it can devastate your teeth. The consequences of bruxism include the destruction of the protective outer layer of teeth, exposing their sensitive and crucial interior nerve structure. Furthermore, research shows that up to 10 percent of individuals who suffer from bruxism wear all their teeth down to the nubs. Bruxism also can lead to alignment issues with your bite as well as your jaws.
Neglecting your dental care
Maintaining a high level of oral health means staying diligent. Failing to continue with one aspect of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine—whether it be brushing, flossing, or visiting your dentist—then your dental health can be compromised. Recent research also has established potential links between poor oral health and an increase in the risk of certain chronic, life-threatening ailments including cardiac disease and even Alzheimer’s.
Preventive dental care in Sciota, Pennsylvania
Make the commitment to good oral health, and good overall health, by taking care of your teeth and mouth. Part of that commitment means finding the right dentist to serve your needs. Chestnuthill Dental offers comprehensive oral care to our patients in and around Sciota, Pennsylvania. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling (570) 402-4001 or completing our online appointment request form.
