Shine Dental Associates, based in Syosset NY, aims to provide their patients with optimal dental health care. Our daily habits play a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, there are a variety of bad habits that we may not even be aware of that can have damaging effects on our oral health. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing some common habits that you should start saying goodbye to today in order to maintain a healthy and bright smile.
What are Bad Oral Health Habits?
Maintaining good oral health is crucial to our overall well-being, but unfortunately, many of us engage in habits that can damage our teeth and gums over time. As trusted Long Island dentists, we have seen first-hand the negative impact these bad habits can have on our patient’s oral health. Here are some of the most common bad oral health habits you should be aware of to help maintain a healthy smile.
Not Brushing Properly
Brushing your teeth regularly is one of the most important habits you can adopt to maintain good oral health. However, simply brushing your teeth twice a day may not be enough. It’s equally important to brush your teeth correctly.
One common mistake people make while brushing their teeth is not brushing for long enough. Most dentists recommend that you should brush for at least two minutes each time. However, many people tend to rush through brushing and only spend about 30 seconds to a minute on the activity. This means that they aren’t cleaning their teeth properly.
Another mistake people need to correct while brushing their teeth is using the wrong technique. Using too much pressure can lead to damage to the enamel and gums. Using a toothbrush with hard bristles can also cause harm to your teeth and gums.
As a Long Island Dentist, we recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing your teeth gently in circular motions. This helps to remove any plaque buildup on your teeth while also being gentle on your gums. We also suggest brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle to get a deeper clean.
Remember, brushing your teeth properly is critical to maintaining good oral health. So, take the time to brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time and use the right technique. Your teeth and gums will thank you!
Skipping Flossing
We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day is essential for maintaining good oral health, but did you know that skipping flossing can be just as detrimental? Flossing is a critical step in the fight against plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. Despite this, it’s estimated that only 30% of Americans floss daily, while 32% never floss at all.
Why is flossing so important? Brushing alone cannot reach the areas between our teeth, where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to cavities and gum disease. By flossing once daily, you can remove plaque and food debris from those tight spaces, ensuring that your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.
At Shine Dental Associates, your Long Island dentist, we recommend using gentle, waxed floss to avoid injuring your gums. If traditional flossing feels uncomfortable or challenging, you might try interdental brushes, which are small brushes designed to clean between teeth. Water flossers are also becoming increasingly popular, using a jet of water to blast away plaque and debris.
Remember, flossing is an essential component of your daily oral hygiene routine, and it’s never too late to start. If you’re struggling to floss or have questions about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact Shine Dental Associates today.
Using Tobacco Products
Using tobacco products can have serious consequences for your oral health. Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other tobacco products are not only harmful to your overall health, but they can also cause significant damage to your teeth and gums.
The chemicals in tobacco products can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Tobacco use can also cause bad breath, stained teeth, and a reduced sense of taste and smell.
If you are a smoker or use other tobacco products, it is important to talk to your dentist about ways to quit. They can offer support and recommend resources to help you quit smoking or using tobacco. Quitting tobacco products can significantly improve your oral health, as well as your overall health.
In addition to quitting tobacco use, it is also important to maintain good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular dental check-ups. These habits can help prevent further damage to your teeth and gums and improve your oral health overall.
At Shine Dental Associates, we understand the impact that bad habits can have on your oral health. That’s why we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Contact us today to schedule your next dental check-up and learn more about how we can help you maintain good oral health habits.
Drinking Too Much Alcohol
While enjoying a few drinks on occasion may not harm your oral health, drinking too much alcohol can lead to serious problems. Alcoholic beverages are high in sugar and acidity, both of which can wear down tooth enamel over time, leading to decay, sensitivity, and discoloration.
Furthermore, alcohol can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This is because saliva is essential for washing away harmful bacteria and neutralizing acid in the mouth.
To reduce the impact of alcohol on your oral health, limit your intake and try to drink water alongside your drinks to help keep your mouth moist and rinse away excess sugars and acids. Additionally, make sure to brush and floss your teeth before bed after consuming alcohol, as it can linger on your teeth and cause further damage.
At Shine Dental Associates, our team can help you take care of your oral health and address any problems that may arise due to bad habits. Schedule an appointment today to get started on a path to a healthier smile.
Eating a Diet High in Sugar
Eating a diet high in sugar is not only detrimental to your overall health but can also severely damage your oral health. Sugary foods and drinks provide a feast for bacteria that produce acid, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
When you consume sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in your mouth convert the sugars into acid, which attacks your tooth enamel and leads to decay. This process can also lead to the formation of cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can become painful, and in severe cases, may even lead to tooth loss.
To avoid the damaging effects of sugar on your oral health, it is essential to minimize your intake of sugary foods and drinks. This means avoiding sugary snacks like candy and soda and choosing healthier options like fresh fruits and vegetables. Drinking water instead of sugary beverages is also an excellent way to reduce your sugar intake.
Another crucial step is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly will help remove sugar and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Additionally, visiting your dentist regularly can help catch and treat any dental problems early on before they become more severe.
Using Teeth as Tools
Have you ever used your teeth to open a package or to hold a nail while hammering? This may seem like a convenient solution, but it can cause serious damage to your teeth over time. Our teeth are designed for biting, chewing, and speaking – not as tools for opening bottles, holding objects or ripping off clothing tags.
Using your teeth as tools can cause cracks, chips, or even breakage of your teeth. It can also lead to painful toothaches, tooth sensitivity, and even infection. Moreover, using your teeth in such a manner can lead to serious oral injuries that may require emergency dental care.
The solution? Stop using your teeth as tools. Always keep scissors, bottle openers and other tools nearby to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your teeth. You can also practice mindful chewing by taking small bites and avoiding hard or crunchy foods that could damage your teeth.
Ignoring Dental Check-Ups
For many people, dental check-ups can feel like a chore that they would rather avoid. But ignoring your dental appointments can actually be quite detrimental to your oral health in the long run.
Regular dental check-ups are important because they allow your dentist to catch any potential issues before they turn into larger, more serious problems. For example, your dentist may be able to identify the early stages of gum disease or tooth decay and recommend a course of treatment that will prevent the issue from getting worse.
Additionally, dental check-ups typically involve a professional cleaning, which is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. Even if you brush and floss regularly, it’s impossible to remove all of the plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth on your own. A professional cleaning can remove this buildup and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you’ve been skipping your dental check-ups, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage may be occurring to your oral health. By making regular dental check-ups a priority, you can keep your smile looking and feeling great for years to come.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re interested in improving your smile, contact Shine Dental Associates in Syosset, NY at 516-348-8500, for more information. With their help, you can achieve a beautiful and confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
