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Good oral health is not just important for that bright smile of yours but also for your overall well-being. But there are some bad habits we all do on a daily basis that could be causing more damage than you know. From brushing mistakes to the beverages we love, these seemingly harmless habits can ruin your teeth in the long run. In this article, we outline four common bad habits that could be affecting your oral health and how to stop them.
1. Brushing Too Hard
Twice daily brushing is essential, but how often you brush isn’t quite as significant as the way you brush. Most fall into a fairly hard-brushing pattern, thinking it will clean better. Brushing too hard can wear away your enamel, the hard outer enamel covering on your teeth. Over-brushing can lead to tooth sensitivity in the long run and leave your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
To avoid this, brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush and light touch. Make small, round motions instead of brushing back and forth as though you’re cleaning a tile floor. Gentle is the way to go when you brush.
2. Skipping Flossing
Flossing is too often omitted from day-to-day oral hygiene. Fine, it requires a few additional minutes of your time, but to forego this valuable routine is to forego cleaning perhaps 30% of your tooth surface. Spaces between your teeth and gums are breeding grounds for plaque and bacteria. If you ignore those spaces, ultimately you can experience bad breath, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Prioritise flossing every day, ideally before brushing before bed. If using regular floss is too time-consuming, try alternatives like water flossers or pre-threaded floss picks. By doing this little task, you’re doing yourself a big favour to protect your teeth and overall gum health.
3. Drinking Sugary Beverages
Australia’s dependence on soft drinks and energy drinks is a costly addiction for your teeth. They contain high levels of sugar and are usually acidic as well, making them a nasty pair for tooth rot and enamel loss. Drinking them on a daily basis means you spend longer with your teeth in contact with acid, and your mouth becomes a Petri dish for cavity-causing bacteria.
The solution? Drink fewer sugary drinks and drink water instead. If you do have the occasional treat, use a straw to limit exposure to your teeth and swish water through your mouth afterward. Better still, drink sugar-free ones or sample herbal teas, which are easy on your enamel.
4. Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a pretty common habit that most people are not even aware that they engage in. Typically occurring while a person sleeps, teeth grinding places enormous stress on your teeth, leading to wear, chipping, and even broken teeth. It can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and ongoing issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
If you think that you grind your teeth, go see Smile On Dental Clinic in Beresfield, for example. Your dentist will recommend to you a special mouth guard to wear when you sleep so that your teeth won’t get worn away. You can also quit the habit by managing stress and by not having such stimulants as coffee at night.
Protect Your Smile by Breaking Bad Habits
Your teeth were built to last a lifetime, but taking care of your healthy smile involves breaking such everyday bad habits. From taking care with your brush action to altering your drinking routines, every day can actually make a tangible difference. Stick to more favourable oral care practices and go back to your dentist as often as possible for expert guidance that can work around your situation.
A healthier, brighter smile is in reach—start by doing it right today!
