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Good dental health habits include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year. However, there are some bad dental habits that can damage your oral health. Here are some of them.

• Nail Biting

Some people bite their nails because they are nervous or stressed. This can cause worn-down enamel, chipped teeth, and tooth damage. If your teeth are already damaged, biting your nails can worsen the damage and make them more noticeable. If you have the habit of nail-biting, try to quit it.

• Smoking

When cigarettes are smoked, they leave behind tar and nicotine on teeth. Over time, these substances will stain the teeth and make them appear yellow or brown. In addition to staining your enamel, chewing tobacco increases your risk of developing oral cancer. It can also cause the smoker’s breath to smell bad, which can be embarrassing when the smoker is socializing with others. Tar and nicotine can also penetrate the tissues in the mouth and irritate the gums. This can lead to gum disease, which will cause the gum tissues to recede from the teeth and expose their root surfaces. This increases the risk of tooth decay because the roots are not as protected as before. In addition, smoking cigarettes can also cause oral cancers to develop on the lips and tongue.

It is never too late to quit. Cigarettes can be addictive, so some smokers will find it difficult and painful to give up the smoke. There are ways to quit, though. One of the ways is to look for the professional help from a doctor who can provide medications that can help with the withdrawal symptoms. Also, it is important to stay away from places where there are smokers. This will make it harder for the smoker to relapse. Talking with a friend or a support group can also help because it can open up opportunities to ask for help with quitting smoking.

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a common cause of tooth damage and jaw pain. If you grind your teeth at night while sleeping, you may wake up with headaches or a sore jaw. Wearing a nightguard while you sleep can help prevent you from forming those unpleasant habits in the first place. If your teeth are worn or damaged due to stress, a dentist can help you restore them to their proper shape and repair any damage that has been done.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Using your teeth to open packages or remove tags on clothing can damage the enamel or cause tooth decay. Opening a package or bag with your teeth might also cause you to accidentally cut or tear your tongue or cheek skin. Also, avoid using your teeth to cut tape or bandages, as they can rip your gums and cause pain. It’s so easy to hurt yourself with your teeth when they’re being used as tools. Avoid putting unnecessary stress on your teeth to keep them healthy and strong. Instead of using teeth as tools, use appropriate tools.

• Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly

When patients don’t visit their dentist for routine cleanings at least every six months, they are more prone to cavities and gum disease. Cavities develop when plaque spreads on the teeth and hardens. If left untreated, the cavity can deepen until it is unbearable and requires treatment. Gum disease is characterized by gum inflammation due to bacteria buildup around or below the gums. The bacterial buildup causes irritation, redness, and even bleeding of the gum tissue. If a patient has diabetes, taking proper care of teeth and gums is even more critical because poor oral health can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and other health crises. Patients should always see their dentists for check-ups twice a year to avoid these dental health issues.

TruCare Dental is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental treatments. To know more about ways to maintain oral health, call us at 972 864-0000 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to visit the practice located in Garland, TX.