Oral health is essential for overall health. Poor oral health can affect the way you eat, speak, and socialize with other people. It can also affect your overall health. Here are a few damaging habits that can cause damage to your oral health.Â
Have you ever found yourself chewing on the pen cap? Or gnawing on a pen cap or pencil eraser to relieve stress? Did you know that this habit can actually damage your enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity? The habit of biting down on hard objects can expose your teeth to further damage and even cause dental emergencies. Dental crowns and fillings can crack or even fall out if your teeth are exposed to too much biting force. In extreme cases, you can fracture a tooth and need a root canal treatment to save the tooth.
Thumb-sucking is a habit that most often begins in childhood. Babies and children explore the world through their mouths and thumbs! This exploration is normal and a part of their learning process. When children begin school, they typically stop thumb-sucking at this point. By the age of six to nine, many children completely give up the habit. However, some older children and even adults continue to suck their thumbs. And the frequent thumb-sucking habit can lead to crooked teeth and may lead to the need for braces, which are an effective way to correct crooked teeth and fix an overbite or underbite. Braces are also used to straighten the teeth of children whose jaws do not align properly due to their thumb-sucking habits. Discuss these options with your dentist to determine the best approach for your child's unique case.
When a patient clenches their jaw together tightly, they're also pushing their teeth together and grinding them against each other. This can cause the teeth to become worn or flattened, which can also cause sensitivity. Some patients may not even realize that they grind their teeth until they have a partner who hears the telltale signs of teeth grinding at night.
If you suffer from bruxism, your dentist may recommend you wear a mouth guard while you sleep to protect your teeth from damage. Your dentist may also recommend lifestyle changes that are known to cause tension in the jaw, such as chewing on pencils or biting fingernails.
If you've noticed any unusual wear and tear on your pearly whites, schedule a consultation to speak with your dentist about ways to prevent this habit.Â
When brushing your teeth, make sure you aren't applying too much pressure to your teeth or gums. This can damage your enamel and cause the gum line to become inflamed and painful. Not only can this cause pain and sensitivity, but it can also cause receding gums. Your teeth will become more sensitive as time goes on, and your gums will continue to recede as the gum tissue is destroyed.
When you are brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently move the brush back and forth along all surfaces of the tooth. If you are using an electric brush, make sure you are using the proper technique and are holding the brush next to each tooth, so you aren't pressing too hard against your teeth and gums. If you are feeling pain after brushing, stop immediately and rinse your mouth out with warm water. Then, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce any swelling. If your pain persists, contact your dentist for an appointment.
If it's time for your next cleaning and checkup, visit Premier Arts Dental at 4400 U.S. 9 #3200, Freehold Township, NJ 07728. For any queries, call us at (732) 334 7816 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain great oral health this year.
4400 U.S. 9 #3200, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
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