Dentistry: It's More Than Drilling and Filling

If you visit a dentist for regular checkups, you will likely have healthier teeth. Checkups are a critical part of oral care, and they include a variety of steps. Another way to have healthier teeth is by learning about habits that are bad for them and choosing to break them. Some patterns may be beneficial for your teeth, but here are some common habits that will harm your teeth.

Smoking or Using Tobacco Products

Smoking, or using tobacco products, is probably the most familiar habit that harms the teeth. Most people know this, and yet, many individuals continue this habit anyhow. It's not an easy habit to quit, primarily because nicotine is addictive, but it is something you should aim to do.

Smoking decreases the oxygen supply to your gums, and it also interferes with the production of saliva. The result is that your gums and teeth suffer. Smoking also causes discoloration of the teeth and may leave teeth with more plaque and tartar on them. Using any tobacco product will eventually hurt your teeth and gums.

Chewing on Hard Objects

Second, chewing on hard objects also destroys teeth. Do you ever chew on ice, your fingernails, or the cap of a pen? Do you open packages with your teeth? If you regularly do any of these things, you might be harming your teeth. Your teeth were not meant to do these activities. If you keep doing them, they may cause you to chip or break a tooth. You might also encounter enamel erosion from exposing them to too much force.

Brushing with Too Much Force

Another problem you might encounter is from brushing your teeth with too much force. When you brush, you do not have to exert a large amount of force. Instead, you should brush gently. Gentle brushing is enough. You may end up with enamel erosion and sensitivity issues from brushing too hard.

Grinding and Clenching

The fourth habit that many people struggle with is grinding and clenching. The unique trait about this activity is that most people do not even realize they are doing these things. The acts happen when they sleep and are completely out of their control. Yet, they can have devastating effects on the teeth.

Breaking these types of habits can help you save your teeth and keep them stronger. If you would like more information on other things you can do to protect your teeth, visit a family dentist today.