Bad Dental Habits: The Do's and Don'ts

General dentistry is a great way to protect and preserve your smile. In fact, it costs less than cosmetic and restorative dental services. When you need simple procedures done to your teeth like teeth whitening services or fluoride treatments, a general dentistry professional is the one to call. For example, when too many acidic foods have tarnished your teeth, a cosmetic dentistry expert will restore your pearly whites and boost your confidence in your smile again. However, dental care goes beyond your normal brushing and flossing routine. When it gets right down to it, there are some bad dental habits that can impact your smile. 

Girl with braces smiling at dentist


Bad Dental Habits That Can Impact Your Smile

 

 Smoking  

According to  Web MD , "90 percent of all people diagnosed with oral cancer smoke or chew tobacco." The truth is, if you want to protect your smile, avoid discoloration, and prevent oral cancer, you must cease using any kind of tobacco products. In fact, cigarettes and chewing tobacco contribute to halitosis. 


Using Your Teeth As A Tool  

We've all done it -opened a package of ketchup or torn a piece of tape with our teeth. This is one of the most common bad dental habits that can threaten your dental health or cause your teeth to crack. According to  Everyday Health , "Your teeth are not a tool." 


Sucking Your Thumb  

Even though it looks so cute when the kiddies do it,  thumb sucking is a bad habit that has a negative impact on teeth. Once your child gets permanent teeth, thumb sucking can impact teeth and jaw structure. Dentists give a thumbs down to thumb sucking. 


Other Bad Dental Habits Include: 


 

  • playing sports without a mouthguard
  • biting your nails 
  • eating sugary/acidic foods 
  • brushing to hard 
  • chewing on ice
  • biting on a pen/pencil/nails 
  • grinding your teeth 
  • Bottom line: When you recognize that a bad habit is impacting your teeth, it's important to break that habit as soon as possible to preserve and protect your smile. 

 


If you need professional dental assistance for healthy habits, you're invited to  contact us  at The Lakes Family Dental. 


At The Lakes Family Dental, we offer customized care with a professional touch. 

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