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Good oral health is an important part of overall health. Regular visits to the dentist can help to spot problems early when they are easier to treat. The dentist can also offer advice for oral hygiene habits to improve your dental health. However, there are certain habits that can damage your smile. Here are some of them.

Nail Biting

Nail biting is an age-old bad habit that affects oral health in many ways. Most commonly, the front teeth become shorter, and the smile loses symmetry due to constant wear and heavy pressure applied from the nail to the teeth. This will cause erosion of the teeth and gum tissues and can result in loose teeth and tooth loss. In addition, nail biters experience chronic jaw pain from clenching and grinding of the teeth. Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity or chipped teeth as well. 

Using Teeth As Tools

Have you ever used your teeth to open something? Using teeth as tools can chip or crack them. You can also accidentally knock out a tooth! If you open packages with your teeth, it’s time to stop doing that. Save your teeth for eating and chewing food – not your fingernails or scissors.

Chewing Ice Cubes

Not only is chewing on ice a bad habit that can permanently damage your teeth, but it can also lead to serious jaw pain. The pressure of biting into hard ice can force your jaw out of alignment, causing TMJ disorder. If you are suffering from chronic jaw pain, it’s important to contact the doctors right away so that we can help you relieve your pain and prevent long-term damage to your smile.

Frequent Snacking

When we eat throughout the day, our mouths are continuously bathed in sugars and other carbohydrates that feed the bacteria that live in our mouths and cause tooth decay and gum disease. When snacking becomes frequent, those bacteria levels can spike quickly and cause problems to our oral health. To reduce the frequency and duration of snacks, consider eating consistent meals at regular times daily and avoiding grazing or nibbling between meals. Additionally, choose snacks that won’t harm your teeth, like cheese, fruits, and vegetables. A healthy and consistent diet can help prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup, as well as improve your overall health.

Visit Gallery 32 Dental Arts at 3580 Piedmont Road NE, STE #104, Atlanta, GA 30305, or call (404) 255-6929 to learn more about dental procedures. Our dentist will work with you to help you determine the best option for your condition so you can feel confident in your beautiful new smile.