Bad Habits That Can Affect Our Oral Health

Our habits are a part of our daily routine. We often don’t realize how much damage our habits are doing to our bodies and mouth. Here are a few habits that can affect our oral health badly. 

• Smoking

Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can all have a negative impact on your oral health. Tobacco products increase the risk of developing gum disease, and they also promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to cavities and bad breath. Plus, smoking puts you at a higher risk for oral cancer. If you smoke or use tobacco products, talk to your dentist about quitting. He or she can provide you with resources to help you quit for good.

• Drinking alcohol

Alcohol consumption affects your mouth in many ways, including causing dry mouth. This is a common side effect of drinking that results from dehydration. When your body becomes dehydrated, it tries to conserve as much moisture as possible by reabsorbing it from the mouth and throat. This can cause the mouth to feel extremely dry. Not only can alcohol dry out the mouth and cause pain while eating and drinking, but it can also affect the teeth in other ways. Alcohol contains high amounts of sugar, which feed oral bacteria that cause tooth decay. Additionally, the carbonation in many drinks can also erode enamel and create decay.

• Not brushing and flossing regularly

There are many things people do on a regular basis that can harm the health of their mouths. Not brushing and flossing are at the top of the list of bad habits that affect our oral health. Brushing and flossing are two of the very few ways we can remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. Plaque is a thin layer of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that can form on the surface of your teeth. If it is not removed promptly, it will continue to build up and eventually harden into tartar. Once it is hardened, only a dentist can remove it. And if left untreated, it can progress to gingivitis and advanced periodontitis, which is a serious condition that can cause tooth loss. 

• Grinding teeth

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be harmful to the teeth as well as cause headaches and jaw pain. It can also cause damage to the gums due to tooth erosion from the friction of the jaw clenching. Some may be unaware that they grind their teeth during the night, especially if they sleep alone. For those who do suffer from bruxism, wearing a custom mouth guard at night can help protect your teeth from damage. Mouthguards are also helpful for those who tend to clench their jaws during the day. Clenching the jaw can force the muscles in the head and neck to tense up for long periods of time, causing pain and tension in the head, shoulders, neck, and even back. A night guard can help prevent you from experiencing these side effects.

West Reno Dental, located in Reno, NV, is equipped with the best dentists and modern amenities that facilitate effective treatment services for patients. Dial (775) 323-4054 and book an appointment with the dentist to learn more about cosmetic dentistry.