Your teeth are designed to stay strong and healthy to serve you for a lifetime with the right care. To ensure your smile lasts, you’re proactive about your home oral hygiene routine and you visit your dentist in Montrose twice a year. While you strive to keep your teeth and gums healthy, there are 5 bad habits you need to break right now if you want your smile to last.
1. Don’t use your teeth as tools.
We’re all guilty of pulling a bag of chips open with our teeth. While we’ve all done it, using your teeth as scissors isn’t good for your smile. In fact, it can lead to a broken or chipped tooth. It’s best to take the time to find the right tool for the job instead of relying on your teeth.
2. Don’t chew on inedible objects.
If you have a habit of biting your nails when you’re nervous or chewing on a pencil when you’re stressed, you’re placing your smile at risk. You can slowly chip away at your enamel or experience a soft tissue injury. Not to mention, it’s not sanitary. Chewing sugarless gum can help satisfy the habit to keep inedible objects out of your mouth.
3. Don’t consume too much sugar.
The biggest threat to your dental health is tooth decay. Although it’s preventable, about 92% of adults have had a cavity in a permanent tooth. You can significantly reduce your risk by limiting your consumption of sugar. If you can’t ignore your sweet tooth, snack on a piece of fruit. It’s fine to have sugar in moderation but brush your teeth well afterward.
4. Don’t skip brushing your teeth before bed.
It’s easy to climb into bed without brushing your teeth after a long day. Although it may not seem like a big deal, skipping even once a day allows harmful bacteria to build in your mouth. This can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. While you might be tired, it’s best to take the time to brush your teeth before calling it a night.
5. Don’t ignore bleeding gums.
Many people believe it’s normal for your gums to bleed after brushing or flossing, but it’s never a good sign. In fact, it often indicates the early stage of periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Thankfully, you can restore a healthy smile with quick care from your dentist.
Make Sure Your Smile Lasts
Besides breaking bad habits, don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night before going to bed. Keep your routine with your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
About Tamborello Dental Associates
Tamborello Dental Associates provides state-of-the-art services to help patients of all ages. Our team combines their training and experience to offer advanced treatments to maintain optimal oral health. We focus on prevention to ensure your smile lasts for a lifetime. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, contact our office today for an appointment.