Did you know that poor dental hygiene, or the lack of it, can actually jeopardise your overall health? That’s why it is important to take care of your dental health and it is pertinent to mention that there are many common habits that can affect oral care and so we need to take care of them accordingly. Bad habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking coffee or soft drinks and neglecting our teeth can all lead to serious consequences.
If you suspect that any of your usual habits aren’t treating your smile kindly, then there are some quick fixes you can implement to improve your dental health and prevent serious consequences down the line. Here are just some of the habits that are jeopardising your dental health. Take note of them and try to keep them at bay:
Smoking Cigarettes
This habit is notorious for damaging teeth. The impact of this habit is directly proportional to the number of cigarettes you can smoke in a day. Not only will smoking decrease the health of your gums, but it will also cause tooth decay and decrease the strength of your teeth. It can lead to yellow teeth, mouth ulcers and even tooth loss. Not only will this affect your oral health, but it will impact your heart and lungs as well. So, if you are a smoker then try to curb the habit.
Snacking
Snacking all day long, especially those that are high in sugar and starch can put your teeth at a higher risk of cavities. It is much more harmful when you eat a snack before sleep as the bacteria in the mouth gets to create harmful acid that can wear down the enamel leading to tooth decay. If you have the same habit, then try to maintain a balanced diet that includes healthy food that is good for your teeth and overall health. Make sure that anything you consume is low in sugar and fat.
Chewing Tobacco
Just like smoking, chewing tobacco is another habit that can harm your teeth. Chewing tobacco is highly acidic and will decalcify the tooth enamel. The impact of this habit can be very painful and can lose the charm of your overall smile. Apart from dental issues, it can lead to oral cancer, heart disease and strokes. It can also cause wrinkles around the lips, mouth and cheeks.
Brushing Too Hard
Dentist in Dublin recommends brushing their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes a day. It is a good habit but depends on how you are executing it. Some people go rogue and brush way too hard thinking that it will remove tartar and whiten the teeth. That’s not the case at all, using a hard brush or brushing too hard can damage the gums and cause irritation. Stay calm while you are brushing your teeth and always use a soft brush.
Eating And Sleeping
Eating too much and chewing food thoroughly are habits that can cause tooth decay. It is important to remember to rinse your mouth after eating to prevent tooth decay. If you also eat too much food in one go, then you are more likely to have bad dental hygiene. Sleeping with the mouth open is another habit that can lead to tooth decay. If you sleep like this, then you are more likely to have bad dental hygiene.
Not Flossing
If you don’t have the habit of flossing once in a while, then you will have bad dental hygiene and may even develop serious dental hygiene. Daily flossing removes plaque, tartar, and food particles and reduces the risk of cavities that can be caused by snacking. Make sure to adopt this habit to keep your teeth strong and your smile flawless.
Final Verdict
Even if you are brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, there’s still a chance of tooth decay and there are tons of common habits that can cause them. Bad habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking coffee and soft drinks, and not flossing daily can establish poor oral hygiene. If you have got any of these habits, then make efforts to overcome them. It can be difficult, but the health benefits will be worth it. Besides, who won’t love to keep a beautiful smile?
