Six Bad Habits That Can Sabotage Your Oral Health

At the office of Woodhaven Braces your friendly orthodontic specialist is all about creating a healthy, radiant, long-lasting smile that you’ll be proud to show off. But we need some help for our patients. Because all the state-of-the-art techniques and technology we use in our practice won’t stand a chance unless you’re an active participant in the process. 

Being an active participant means taking your oral hygiene regimen seriously by becoming good friends with your dental floss, toothbrush, and using a proxy brush to reach those pesky spaces between the teeth where food particles hide. But it’s also about avoiding some of these common but harmful oral habits, according to the American Dental Association:

• Excessively hard brushing can damage teeth and irritate gums. Try using a soft toothbrush and limit yourself to two minutes. And brush gently, don’t scrub.

• Don't use your teeth instead of a pair of scissors or to hold items while your hands are full. Using your teeth as tools puts them under too much strain that can lead to cracking.

• Biting your nails can chip your teeth and put too much pressure on your jaw. If you need help breaking the habit, try using bitter-tasting polish or find something to fiddle with in your hands. Stress reduction techniques can help, too.

• Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw can lead to cracked teeth and joint pain. Be on the alert for these habits, and try relaxation exercises. 
• Chewing on ice cubes can cause tooth fractures and break fillings. Switch to chilled beverages or use a straw to fend off the temptation to crunch those cubes.

• Continually snacking between meals gives cavity-causing bacteria more time to go to work in your mouth. Eat balanced meals and steer away from fatty and sugary snacks.

At the office of Woodhaven Braces, we can create a treatment plan that’s right for you, no matter your age. Please contact our office today for an appointment.