Bad Habits for Dental Health

How much do your habits affect your dental health? We are constantly told about how diet and lifestyle habits can affect our general health, but don’t often think of how they may affect our dental health, teeth and gums. 

Your dental health and oral health can be affected by many bad habits. The main habits that directly affect your dental health are:

–          Nail biting

–          Clenching your jaw

–          Use of drugs, smoking and alcohol consumption

–          Sugary foods and drinks

We understand old habits die hard. However these habits can be detrimental to your general and dental health. Nail biting, chewing pen lids and clenching frequently can cause tension in your jaw muscles and joints, often resulting in a clicking and discomfort when you open and close your mouth. You also run the risk of chipping your teeth if you frequently bite your nails or other objects.

Many medicinal and recreational drugs are also damaging to your dental health. Side effects of some medications include dry mouth which can cause decay. Other side effects can result in grinding, clenching and changes in appetite. Recreational drugs such as amphetamines and hallucinogens can cause severe grinding of the teeth which often results in chipping and cracked teeth. These drugs pose a high risk to your mental health, and also your dental health.

Smoking cigarettes or marijuana has a negative impact on your dental health. These habits can cause decay and staining of your teeth and restrict blood flow to your mouth which is extremely harmful to your gums. The risks of  smoking include cardiovascular disease, gangrene, lung cancer, mouth cancer and stroke – to name a few. The constant intake of smoke directly into your mouth causes  extreme harm to your dental health, while breathing the toxic smoke is highly detrimental to your general well-being.

Indulging in wine or other alcohols and sugary or acidic foods can increase your chances of decay and acid wear. Acids and sugars directly attack tooth enamel, and can  rapidly lead to decay. One tiny spot in the tooth enamel, if left untreated, can become a large dental cavity in no time. It’s crucial to limit your intake of sugars and acids,  and always rinse with water after consuming these foods and drinks. This will improve your dental health.

If you need help kicking these habits, and improving your dental health and general well-being, come in and see us so we can assess your dental health and give you some helpful tips.