Certain habits contribute to poor oral health. Everyone knows it, yet most people don’t make an effort to change their unhealthy behaviors. Then, years later, they end up needing major dental work. In many cases, it’s possible to prevent serious oral health problems simply by replacing a few harmful habits with healthier ones.

3 Unhealthy Habits to Avoid at All Costs

• Aggressive Brushing

Brushing smarter, not harder. The instinct to press hard when brushing is incorrect. Tooth enamel is extremely durable, but years of repeated abrasion from aggressive brushing will wear it down, just as water wears away stone over time. 

Gum tissue is far softer than tooth enamel and becomes irritated very quickly with aggressive brushing. Damaged gums will begin to pull away from teeth, exposing the sensitive roots and inviting bacteria to penetrate deep underneath. 

A soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure can clean teeth effectively without damaging any tissues. 

• Snacking Throughout the Day

With every bite of food and sip of a beverage (other than water), bacteria in the mouth feed too and produce acids that weaken tooth enamel. Saliva helps to neutralize some of the acid, but it requires enough time to work. Constant snacking during the day means the oral environment stays acidic, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Spacing out meals and snacks and drinking water afterward helps by allowing enough time for the oral environment to rebalance. An even better habit to develop is to brush and floss after every meal and snack.

• Only Seeing the Dentist When Something Hurts

Pain is a lagging indicator in oral health. Cavities, gum disease, and infections can all develop significantly before causing even slight pain or discomfort. Therefore, waiting until pain becomes unbearable before scheduling a dental visit is a poor strategy. By the time there’s pain, the problem is likely to be quite advanced and require extensive treatment.

Regular checkups help us detect problems early, when treatment is usually simpler, saving time, money, and much unpleasantness compared to waiting until something hurts.

The Bottom Line

A few adjustments to a daily routine and approach to oral healthcare are all it takes to start moving in the right direction. Start by scheduling your next appointment at Lincoln Crossings Dental Care located in North Huntingdon, PA. Let us help you change the habits that may be putting your oral health at risk.