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While there’s a number of habits that can enhance the look and health of your smile, there are also a number of which that can take a toll on the health of your smile. If you want to keep your teeth functioning at their best, be sure to ditch the following habits:
- Nail Biting
If you’re a nail-biter, it’s time to find a new form of stress relief. Not only are you ingesting any bacteria you’ve touched, nail biting can cause teeth to chip or break. This habit also seriously damages dental enamel, which protects teeth from cavities and damage. - Ice Chewing
While it may not seem like a destructive habit, chewing ice compromises dental enamel and teeth, causing dental sensitivity and wearing away enamel. It is common for ice chewing to be the cause of chipped or cracked teeth, conditions that require a trip to our Tarpon Springs dentist for treatment. For patients who’ve had dental work done such as a filling or crown, chewing ice can compromise the structure and health of your smile. - Teeth Grinding
Also known as bruxism, habitual teeth grinding gradually wears away enamel and puts unnecessary pressure on certain teeth. This not only opens the door to dental infection, but it can also trigger secondary conditions like temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Often, teeth grinding happens while you sleep. To help prevent this, visit our Tarpon Springs dentist about getting a custom mouthguard. - Over Brushing and Flossing
Did you know it’s possible to take too good care of your smile? Overbrushing and vigorous tooth brushing also gradually wear down the enamel on your smile, causing tooth sensitivity and even gum recession. Overflossing and flossing improperly can also have a negative impact on your smile, causing gum irritation, swelling, and bleeding. The long term consequences of overbrushing and overflossing is gum recession, which can leave tooth roots exposed and vulnerable to infection. If you’re concerned about your oral hygiene routine, brushing after meals and flossing about twice a day are enough to protect your pearly whites. - Missing Six Month Cleanings
Your biannual cleanings and checkups are just as important as having an effective oral hygiene routine at home. These regular visits are the best opportunity for our Tarpon Springs dentist to thoroughly evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw as well as checking for signs of decay or infection. Missing out on these appointments can mean missing out on early diagnosis and treatment
From performing general cleanings to providing comprehensive implants dentistry, Tarpon Springs dentist Dr. Emmanuel Kontos and our team are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. To learn more about preventive dental care, call our office and schedule your next visit to our dentist today!