3 Dental Habits You Should Quit Today

Everyone has heard about how brushing twice daily, flossing and using mouthwash can help prevent decay, gum disease and other dental issues. But what a lot of patients don’t realize is how bad certain habits can be for your oral health as well. If you are guilty of any of these poor dental habits, making an effort to stop can greatly reduce your risk of dental issues down the road.

Biting Nails

One nervous habit that a lot of people seem to be affected by is nail biting, sadly chewing on your nails can have very negative effects on your teeth. When you chew on your nails you run the risk of chipping and cracking your teeth along with damage it can have on your jaw. There are nail polishes which can help deter nail biting, along with practicing stress reducing techniques.

Clenching/Grinding Teeth

If you often wake up with tooth pain, or a discomfort in your jaw you may grind your teeth in your sleep. Some patients even have issues with clenching their jaw during the day. For patients that suffer from teeth grinding, Town Square Dental offers mouthguards which can help prevent damage such as cracking and chipping from clenching. If you or a loved one suffers from teeth grinding/clenching, contact our Pasadena dental office for an appointment today!

Snacking Too Often

Most Americans brush their teeth once or twice a day, cleaning away debris and bacteria. But what exactly happens in between those brushings? Bacteria and plaque can begin to build up, this is especially the case for patients who snack frequently. The debris left over in your mouth after eating can feed bacteria, increasing growth. Sugary snacks and beverages can be worse than healthy snacks, if you must snack we recommend fresh vegetables or nuts. Always be sure to wash it down with some water after, this can help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup.