Habits That Threaten Oral Health

Common Threats to Your Dental Wellness

While genetics play a role, our daily choices have the most significant impact on our oral health. Here are some of the most common habits that can lead to serious dental problems.

1. Tobacco and Nicotine Use

Whether smoked or vaped, tobacco and nicotine are extremely harmful to your mouth. They restrict blood flow to the gums, which can mask the early signs of gum disease, and severely impair your body's ability to heal. This leads to a much higher risk of periodontitis, dental implant failure, and oral cancer.

2. Sugary and Acidic Diets

A diet high in sugar and acids is a primary cause of tooth decay. Bacteria in dental plaque feed on sugar, producing acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Acidic foods and drinks, like sodas, sports drinks, and citrus fruits, can also directly erode enamel, making teeth weak and sensitive.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

Inconsistent or improper oral self-care is a direct path to dental problems. Failing to brush and floss effectively allows plaque to build up and harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. This buildup leads directly to cavities and gum disease.

4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Many people grind or clench their teeth, often unconsciously during sleep. This habit, known as bruxism, places immense force on your teeth, leading to worn-down enamel, cracked or fractured teeth, and jaw pain (TMJ disorders). A custom-made nightguard can protect your teeth from damage.

5. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Using your teeth to open packages, tear tape, or hold objects is a recipe for disaster. Your teeth are designed for chewing food, not for acting as a pair of scissors or a third hand. This habit can easily lead to a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, requiring extensive restorative work.

6. Oral Piercings

While a form of self-expression, piercings on the tongue, lips, or cheeks carry significant oral health risks. These include chipped or cracked teeth from biting down on the jewelry, gum recession from the jewelry rubbing against the tissue, increased plaque accumulation, and a higher risk of infection.