Sure, you know you should visit your dentist twice a year and practice good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing your veneers multiple types with water after every meal, but are you aware of the counteractive behaviors that you may have picked up? Might you have a daily habit that could be harming your teeth and gums?

Some standard bad dental hygiene practices are listed below by Smiling Oak Dentistry, your trusted practitioners of dentistry in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Applying Too Much Pressure During Brushing

Brushing your teeth too much is a real thing. The American Dental Association warns against damaging your gums and teeth by using stiff-bristled toothbrushes or pressing too hard while brushing. A soft brush and gentle, broad strokes is the better alternative.

Nail-Biting

Think about the wear and tear you might be putting on your jaw and teeth as an additional motivator to end nail biting. Any reputable practitioner of family dentistry warns that nail biting can lead to jaw dysfunction since it requires you to maintain a protruded jaw position for extended periods. Teeth can also be chipped by habitually biting nails.

Chewing on Ice

Do you mindlessly munch on the residual ice cubes in your drink after you’ve finished it? It might seem harmless and is even strangely enjoyable, but this mannerism can do a number on your teeth over time, especially if you’ve got dental implants.

Grinding Your Teeth

It’s common to do this unconsciously, but clenching and grinding your teeth can cause serious health problems, including worn enamel, muscle soreness, and limited jaw mobility. Try practicing relaxation techniques, using a mouth guard at night, and keeping track of when you start clenching or grinding your teeth to break the habit. You can consult with your dentist regarding the management of TMJ disorders that can arise due to this habit.

Cigarette Smoking

Smoking cigarettes (yes, even the electric ones) is detrimental to your general well-being, including oral health. Gum disease, foul breath, dry mouth, tooth decay, and oral cancer are all made worse by cigarette use. You could also end up with stained teeth and require teeth whitening treatments as a restorative measure.

Habitually Sucking Your Thumb or Fingers

While it’s perfectly normal for infants to suck on their thumbs or fingers, continuing the practice over age five can cause teeth to shift out of place. This misalignment might cause major dental problems as the youngster matures. Your child’s physician or pediatric dentists can guide how to wean your child off of thumb or finger sucking if they are five or older and still engage in this behavior.

Smiling Oak Dentistry strives to deliver the best dental services in an educated and compassionate atmosphere. Contact us if you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation right away.