Stop These Bad Oral Health Habits

Do you still bite your nails when you’re anxious? Do you think that brushing your teeth harder will make them cleaner? These are some of the most common oral health habits that can negatively impact your smile.

Oftentimes, bad oral health habits put a strain on your bite, injure or break permanent teeth, or wear down the gums. We will review bad oral health habits and how to care for your smile at home and in our Pomona, NY, to reverse tooth and gum damage.

Bad Oral Health Habits in Pomona, NY

If you have bad oral health habits, it can be hard to stop. However, knowing what these habits do to your smile can help you prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. Common oral health habits to avoid include:

Nail Biting

If you have continued this habit from childhood into adulthood, chances are you experience bite problems. Nail biting creates continuous pressure on the teeth and jaw. Over time, this pressure can create problems with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

These joints can cause pain and dysfunction if they are injured or under stress. Patients with TMJ disorders often clench and grind their teeth, which contributes to additional tooth wear.

Chewing Ice Cubes

Like nail biting, if you chew on ice cubes, you put extra pressure on your jaw and teeth. Chewing on hard or crunchy foods can also have this effect over time. Some patients can even break or chip a tooth on an ice cube or foods like hard candy. Avoiding overly hard foods or objects can prevent dental damage.

Brushing Teeth Aggressively

If you brush your teeth hard, you may think you’re getting a better clean. However, brushing your teeth and gums too hard can lead to several problems:

• Gum Recession
• Bleeding Gums
• Enamel Wear
• Tooth Sensitivity

When you brush your teeth, brush gently in circular motions. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent tooth wear and gum damage.

Treat Tooth Damage

Whether you have tooth damage from a recurring bad habit or an accident, we can help repair your smile. Common treatments we offer for damaged teeth include:

• Tooth Bonding: Dental bonding uses composite materials to treat chipped and broken teeth. Bonding adds structure to teeth and can cover the top or bottom of teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing and functional smile.
• Porcelain Veneers: While dental veneers are best for patients with discolored or slightly crooked teeth, they can also cover smaller dental injuries. Dental veneers are thin shells that cover the front of single teeth or all of the teeth in the smile line.
• Dental Crowns: A dental crown fully covers and protects a worn or weakened tooth. Crowns are tooth-colored caps that can add structure to a tooth and create a more balanced smile.

Do you have tooth damage because of a bad oral health habit? Call Cosmetic Dentistry Associates for treatment today at (845) 241-0656. You can also schedule your next dental visit with us on our website.