Bad Oral Hygiene: What to Avoid and Embrace

17 Dec Bad Oral Hygiene: What to Avoid and Embrace

Some of us practice bad oral hygiene and we don’t even know it. Some of us practice bad hygiene habits but don’t care to change (you know who you are). Here are the oral hygiene habits to avoid and a few you should embrace!

Bad Oral Hygiene

Neglecting your oral health and developing bad hygiene habits can seriously impact your overall health. Bad oral hygiene can lead to:

• Cavities
• Gum Disease
• Periodontal Disease
• Dental Emergencies (which can end up costing you a lot of money)
• Bad Breath

Chewing Ice: Chewing ice is just as bad as using your teeth as tools to open up a bottle or packaging. Over time, ice can cause your teeth to fracture and create microscopic cracks on your enamel. It’s best to use a straw with a cold beverage to avoid the urge to chew ice. 

Self Diagnosing/Self Dentistry: These days, everyone loves finding natural, at-home remedies. However, when it comes to dentistry, this may not always be the safest option. A lot of recipes for at-home whitening/oral care call for harsh ingredients that can actually ruin the enamel on your teeth. Be wary of recipes that require vinegar, baking soda, strawberries or charcoal as these ingredients can weaken your teeth. 

Brushing Too Hard: Much like self dentistry, brushing too hard can have a reverse effect on your teeth. Brushing too hard can irritate your gums and brush away the enamel that protects your teeth. 

Nail Biting: Nail biting is a bad habit for many. Not only can this chip your teeth, but it can also change the position of your jaw and aid in jaw dysfunction if you apply too much pressure. 

Good Hygiene Habits

Practice these good hygiene habits to stay healthy and on the right track!

• Brush two times a day for two minutes each.
• Monitor your coffee and wine intake to avoid erosion and stains.
• Floss at least once a day to avoid plaque hardening into tartar.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months.
• Opt for healthier vices. If you like chewing ice, chew sugar-free gum instead to protect your teeth.
• Wear clear nail polish over your nails to avoid biting your teeth.
• Try to make a conscious effort to relax and unclench your jaw. Clenching your jaw can lead to more serious dental complications down the line.