Calgary Explains Bad Dental Habits & How To Avoid Them
We all have bad habits, and most of us partake in at least a few bad habits that can be damaging to our teeth and mouth. Even if you don’t realize you’re causing yourself dental problems, you should be wary of habits you might have that are wreaking havoc on your smile. Of course, some habits are well known to be bad for your teeth, but others aren’t commonly regarded as dentally damaging! Here, we will go over some bad dental habits that take a toll on your smile by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, a family dentist in Calgary.
Smoking
Smoking is probably one of the most obvious bad habits that can cause severe damage to your gums, mouth, and teeth. Not only can smoking cause aesthetically displeasing side-effects, like tooth staining and discoloration, but it also puts the smoker hugely at risk of developing oral cancer and gum problems. While these are commonly known side effects of tobacco use, did you know that smoking also makes it more difficult for your mouth to produce saliva? This can bolster dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and decay. All in all, smoking is just as bad for your mouth and teeth as it is for the rest of your health. If your teeth have suffered due to smoking, schedule an appointment with our family dentist in Calgary to determine the extent of the damage.
Grinding Your Teeth and Family Dentist in Calgary
Bruxism, or chronic tooth grinding, can cause all sorts of terrible damage to your teeth. Those who regularly grind their teeth often suffer from cracks, chips, sensitivity, and broken teeth. In addition, tooth grinders may notice headaches or a sore jaw caused by bruxism. All in all, grinding your teeth just isn’t good for them! Even though nighttime tooth grinding is often associated with high stress levels, this isn’t always the case. If you think you might be grinding your teeth at night, it’s essential to contact a family dentist in Calgary to see about having a mouth guard fitted for proper protection from damage caused by bruxism.
Chewing on Items That Aren’t Food
This one might sound strange, but logically, it makes perfect sense. Our teeth are made for chewing food, not nonfood items! If you bite your fingernails or subconsciously chew on the end of your pen, you could be causing damage to your mouth and teeth. Not only can some nonfood items easily crack or chip your teeth, but you’re introducing germs into your mouth that could lead to infection. If you’re finding it hard to break this habit, consider consulting your family dentist in Calgary for advice.
Brushing Too Hard
Yes, you read that correctly. It is possible to brush your teeth too hard! You might think that the harder you brush, the better for your smile, but that’s not true. Over-brushing or brushing with a very stiff-bristled toothbrush can degrade your enamel. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and a potentially higher risk of suffering from tooth decay. Brushing too hard can also be damaging to your gums and cause them to be sore and irritated. It can be important to teach children to brush their teeth properly, so they don’t cause unnecessary damage or irritation. Your family dentist in Calgary can show kids the proper ways to take care of their teeth.
Eating Sticky or Hard Candy
Many people have a sweet tooth, and even though we constantly hear how lousy candy and sugar are for our teeth, indulging every once in a while is not a big deal. But that being said, sweets that are very hard or sticky can cause damage to your teeth. They cause cavities and can even pull out fillings! Those with braces should make sure to avoid any type of sticky sweet, as it can break your braces and cause damage.
Schedule a Consultation With A Family Dentist in Calgary
We all have some bad habits we would like to break, and bad habits that aren’t good for our teeth should be at the top of that list! If you’re worried about damage caused to your teeth or mouth by any of the above bad habits, it’s best to find a family dentist in Calgary to take a look! Schedule a free consultation with our Calgary dentist today.
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