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5 Bad Habits to Break for a Healthy Smile

August 30, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsaran @ 5:53 pm

woman covering her mouthA healthy, beautiful smile is important. You take the time to brush and floss your teeth while also visiting your dentist in Long Island City to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Despite your proactive approach to oral health, there are several things you might do that can harm your mouth. Here are 5 bad habits you should break right away to ensure your smile lasts for a lifetime.

1. Stop smoking.

You know smoking and tobacco are bad for your overall health, but they are also horrible for your smile. Smoking significantly increases your risk of several preventable issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. Both of the conditions can lead to tooth loss. Not to mention, 8 out of 10 patients who are diagnosed with oral cancer are smokers. It is best to stop smoking right away to protect your mouth and body from the damages of tobacco.

2. Treat bruxism.

Bruxism is a subconscious habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Most often, it occurs while a person is asleep, so you may not be aware you’re doing it until after your dentist finds complications, like enamel erosion. Over time, it can significantly damage your teeth and also lead to jaw pain. Besides reducing stressors, your dentist can help protect your teeth with a nightguard.

3. Don’t chew on inedible objects.

Many people chew on their fingernails, pens, or even ice. Although it may not seem like a big deal, it leaves you susceptible to dental emergencies and decay. Whether the chewing is from stress, anxiety, or boredom, it is best to break the habit right away. Instead, consider chewing sugarless gum.

4. Stop brushing too hard.

Aggressive brushing habits do not clean your teeth more effectively. Instead, it can actually damage your smile. Not only can you lose enamel, but it can also destroy your gum line. Besides using a soft-bristled toothbrush, consider using an electric model that has a pressure sensor to alert you when you’re pushing too hard.

5. Skip the sweets.

Everyone enjoys a sweet treat, but candy and junk food can harm your smile. Foods and drinks containing sugar can erode your enamel, leading to tooth decay. Other junk foods, like potato chips, can be difficult to remove from the crevasses of your teeth. As trapped food particles sit in the grooves, they eat away at your enamel until a hole forms. Instead, it is better to snack on fresh fruits and vegetable or low-fat dairy products.

Invest in a Healthy Smile

It is never too late to break bad habits to keep your smile healthy. If you need help, ask your dentist for tips or treatments to protect your teeth and gums.

About LIC Dental Associates

LIC Dental Associates is committed to providing personalized dental care that focuses on prevention. We work to keep your teeth and gums healthy to reduce your overall dental expenses while also ensuring your smile lasts. If you need help breaking a bad habit, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

 

 

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