Being able to chew your food so digestion happens effectively is crucial for your body to absorb nutrients. For that, you need your teeth!
Being able to talk right, to pronounce words correctly so that others can understand you is absolutely essential. For that, you need your teeth!
Being able to smile at someone – be it your crush, your colleague, your child or anyone, really makes you feel good. For that, you need teeth!
Being healthy and avoiding unwanted diseases is crucial. For that also, you need teeth!
So, you get the point. Your teeth are very important for your overall health and well-being. Taking better care of your teeth doesn’t only mean routinely maintaining oral hygiene. It also requires a deeper understanding of the impact that your various routine activities have on your teeth and gums.
Here are some activities and habits that can be detrimental to your oral health:
- Unconsciously Acquired Habits
Thumb sucking is usually attributed to children. But, it is also seen in quite a few adults. Persistence of this habit exposes your mouth to harmful germs and bacteria from your hand, and can also lead to misaligned teeth. This may in turn affect your ability to chew and speak.Clenching and grinding of teeth is another potentially harmful habit. Some may grind their teeth while asleep, and others may unconsciously do so when under stress, in deep thought or as a nervous tick. Continuous grinding will put stress on the teeth and jaws, and wear down the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cracks and breakages.
The best way to get rid of such habits is to consciously redirect your attention and focus towards non-intrusive activities. However, in severe cases, you should consult your dentist about preventative measures.
- Using Teeth as Tools
Teeth have specific functions. When they are utilized for activities that they are not meant for, it often results in unwanted hassles.Chewing on ice is something a lot of us do. It not only puts pressure on your teeth, but also exposes them to an unsuitable cold temperature.
Also, using your teeth instead of a bottle opener, scissors or pliers, exerts extra pressure which may loosen your teeth or result in cracked enamel. Similarly, nail biting due to stress or unavailability of a nail cutter leads to wear and tear of the teeth, and exposes your mouth to harmful and infection-causing microbes.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices
You already know that tobacco consumption is extremely harmful for your entire body including your teeth. Regular consumption does more damage than leaving you with just a permanent bad breath and discolored teeth. It seriously increases your chances of contracting mouth cancer. The best way to avoid such adverse health conditions is to immediately quit consuming tobacco in any form and contact your dentist for reversing the damage such as spotted teeth. Getting a piercing in or around your mouth is another harmful lifestyle choice that has long lasting impacts. It not only increases the risk of sores and lesions but also the chances of mouth infections and gum disease. They are known to disrupt the alignment of your teeth.Other unhealthy habits include not cleansing your mouth after meals and consuming sugary foods and liquids. It is essential to rinse mouth after every meal to avoid the risks of cavities due to food residue.
Mostly damage due to such habits is not immediately visible and requires a professional assessment. Therefore, it is important to regularly schedule oral examinations with your dentist. Contact us now at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear AZ, and we can guide you better.