Many bad habits that may seem harmless can actually affect our oral health. Listed below are some bad oral habits that should be avoided.

Smoking tobacco

Nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and cigars can cause your teeth to become discolored, stained, and prone to yellowing. Tobacco use can also lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even oral cancer in some cases. It’s best to quit smoking as soon as possible to protect your smile and overall health. 

Cigarette smoking causes over 1 of every 5 deaths in the U.S. every year. It kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, homicide, AIDS, drugs, and fires combined. Quitting is difficult but rewarding; smoking is one of the hardest addictions to break. However, with help from your dentist, you can stop smoking for good! Make an appointment today to start your journey to a smoke-free life.

Not brushing and flossing regularly

If you don’t brush your teeth at least twice a day, you may be doing damage to your teeth over time. Plaque and tartar can build up on teeth and lead to cavities and gum disease, so it’s important to brush morning and night. You should also floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth. Unfortunately, not many of our patients do a good job of cleaning their teeth! In fact, only a small percentage of people floss once a day or more. So, how can you do better?

• Set the alarm on your phone to remind yourself when it’s time to clean.
• Use an electric toothbrush so you can clean your teeth more quickly and effectively.
• Try flavored flosses to make it more enjoyable.

Using your teeth as tools

Biting fingernails, gnawing on pencils and pens, and opening plastic packaging with your teeth can all cause wear on the enamel over time. While your enamel is the strongest substance in your body, it can still be worn away by the frequent use of your teeth as tools. This can leave teeth more vulnerable to decay. Nail-biting is another bad habit that can affect your smile. Opening packages with your teeth can cause damage and wear down the enamel. So, try using scissors to open the package before digging in!

Not visiting your dentist regularly

Some people only go to the dentist when they have a toothache, but that’s not a good way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. You should get in the habit of visiting your dentist at least twice a year. By only visiting your dentist when you have a toothache or other problem, you’re not giving yourself a chance to stop a problem before it gets out of control. Cavities and gum disease both cause tooth loss over time, so it’s best to avoid them in the first place by maintaining good oral health habits. X-rays will help your dentist identify problems early when they are easier to treat, so don’t skip out on your regular checkup.

To find out more about the dental services offered at One and Truly Dental, call (516)-759-0086 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 70 Glen St, #240 Glen Cove, NY, 11542.