For Effective Preventive Dentistry You Must Avoid These Bad Habits

Practicing preventive dentistry is an effective way to establish good oral health. Strict personal oral hygiene practices result in fewer dental problems. Strengthening these practices with regular dental appointments makes preventive dental care even more efficient. Preventive dentistry becomes even more effective by avoiding some bad habits.

Nail-biting

This habit increases the risk of chipping teeth. It also introduces bacteria from under the nails into the mouth. Once additional bacteria invade the mouth, the person is at risk for more ailments. Trimming nails every other day helps break this habit. Applying nail polish on the nails can also help. The bitter taste of the nail polish discourages nail-biting.

Skipping brushing or brushing too hard

Brushing teeth in the morning and before bed is a good oral care practice. One can enhance this by brushing after every meal. Regular brushing can help strengthen preventive dentistry practices. Skipping the habit of brushing teeth gives a chance for plaque to stay longer on teeth. This results in tartar formation, periodontitis, and tooth loss.

A moderate degree of brushing cares for teeth and gums. Brushing too hard irritates gums and strips off the enamel of teeth. It also results in gum recession. Intense brushing opposes the main purpose of preventive dentistry. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles is enough to clean teeth. Spending two to three minutes brushing in a circular motion is ideal.

Drinking sweet beverages

Sugary drinks are addictive. That is why it is so easy for them to damage teeth. The carbohydrates in these drinks feed the bacteria in the mouth. This encourages more plaque to grow at a faster rate. Gum disease and tooth decay happen over time. Preventive dentistry practices involve drinking water more often.

Placing hard and inedible objects in the mouth

Chewing ice, holding keys with teeth, biting pencils, and keeping toothpicks in between teeth oppose the purpose of preventive dentistry. These habits damage teeth, promote tooth decay, and create problems in the jaw. It is more practical to stop chewing hard objects or carry a bag for holding items. Stopping these habits may take time, but the results will be rewarding.

Using tobacco

Quitting smoking and other tobacco products is a difficult habit to break. However, this habit can cause severe damage to a patient's teeth and gums. This damage includes:

• Staining and discoloration
• Periodontal disease
• Gum recession
• Oral cancer
• Reduced saliva production
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Quitting tobacco use can help protect the patient's oral and overall health.

Consuming acidic foods and beverages

Drinking acidic beverages and eating acidic foods weaken the teeth. Soda, citrus juices, coffee, and tea are rich in acids. The same goes for lemon or vinegar-based dressings and dips. Additional sugars feed bacteria, encouraging the release of more acids. These substances are not welcome in preventive dentistry. The acids from them strip off the protective enamel layer of the teeth.

Preventive dentistry is more effective without these bad habits

Stopping these habits can protect your teeth, gums, and overall health. It may take some effort to give them up, but it will be worth it in the long-term. The Dental Partners White Station team is here to help you quit these habits. Call our office to learn more.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentalmemphis.com or call Dental Partners White Station at (901) 201-4577 for an appointment in our Memphis office.

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