Whenever we prepare to visit the dentist’s office, most people tend to take extra care of their teeth. But if you want to take steps beyond what your dentist would normally expect, you might look into breaking the habits that actively harm your teeth. To make a significant difference before seeing your dentist, however, you may want to start a few weeks before your next visit. After all, the habits that harm our teeth happen most in the long term, and reversing or slowing the damage will likely take a while.
If you need to make a massive improvement to your smile and tooth health, you may need to work with a dentist or oral surgeon. Partner with our skilled medical professionals at Union City Oral Surgery Group to help break any bad habits or get the care you need for a healthy mouth. Our oral surgeons can help you better understand how to take care of your teeth and utilize specific procedures to improve your oral health when necessary. We dedicate ourselves to our patients’ safety, comfort, and satisfaction, and we can offer you the same.
What Habits Should You Avoid to Protect Your Teeth?
Breaking the following habits can help you work towards your smile goals and improve your oral health. Also, avoiding these behaviors can help you significantly cut costs relating to your dental care.
Eating and Drinking Sugary Food and Beverages
Eating and drinking foods and beverages high in sugar can significantly harm our teeth, even if we think they taste good. While these can be tempting, consuming these in moderation is necessary to avoid significant deterioration in your teeth and gums. Too much sugar intake can cause certain infections and cavities if you aren’t careful.
Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth, you likely know this can cause severe harm. However, many people who grind their teeth often do so in their sleep and don’t necessarily know how to avoid this habit. If you grind your teeth at night and want to prevent harm, you may need to work with your dentist. Your dentist or oral surgeon may give you a prescription for a grind guard, which can help protect your enamel, prevent pain, support nerve health, and more.
Nail Biting
Similar to teeth grinding, nail biting can harm your enamel. Wearing down the enamel surrounding your teeth can cause significant pain and discomfort over time. This is a common habit for those who deal with anxiety, and additional action may be necessary to protect your tooth health and address mental health issues. If you need assistance breaking this habit, we recommend you work with your dentist or doctor.
Using Your Teeth as a Tool
When you use your teeth to open packages or pry apart other hard objects from each other, you may cause significant damage. While this may feel quick and convenient, we recommend you break this habit sooner rather than later. There are different ways to feasibly complete these tasks without damaging your enamel and wearing down your teeth.
Using a Toothbrush With Hard Bristles
While many of us know it’s important to brush our teeth regularly, not everyone knows that the kind of toothbrush you use matters. We might go to the convenience store and pick up any toothbrush on the shelf, but it’s far better to use a soft bristle toothbrush. Like other habits, using hard-bristled toothbrushes may result in worn-down enamel.
Not Brushing or Flossing Regularly
It’s essential to brush and floss regularly to maintain the overall health of your teeth. This helps remove broken-down food, apply protection to our teeth regularly, and avoid damage from rotted foods.
Improve Your Smile When You Work With Union City Oral Surgery Group in New Jersey
If you want to protect your teeth and improve your oral health, you can contact the oral surgeons at Union City Oral Surgery Group. Our knowledgeable and compassionate oral surgeons have the resources and tools to work toward your smile goals.
You are welcome to reach out to us to discuss your circumstances, receive additional information, and get clarification for any of our concerns. Please contact our team by calling (201) 601-9262 or by completing our online contact form, whichever you prefer. We look forward to hearing from you and working together.
