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It’s easy to fall into bad dental habits in this fast-paced modern world we live in. In this article, Dental Haus will explain some of the most common bad dental habits we see in our Dentist Palm Beach and explain what damage they can cause if they are not resolved or treated through Gold Coast Dental Haus or a Palm beach dental clinic.
1. Using teeth for tasks they’re not meant to perform
When people have full hands, they often use their teeth to open the edge of a packet, to open a bottle cap, or even to pull off a price tag. Similarly, people often chew ice cubes or chew on a pen or pencil. It is best to take a moment to use your hands or other tools, or to let the ice melt in the glass. Although you might get away with it most of the time, misusing teeth in this way can result in teeth cracking or jaw injuries. Your dental clinic near me can treat any damage or pain that does result from a freak incident of this kind.
2. Teeth grinding, clenching or bruxism
When we are stressed or have an unconscious habit, we can often catch ourselves grinding our teeth or clenching our jaw. This often happens when we’re asleep and we can’t consciously stop ourselves from doing so. In the short term this can cause tooth, jaw, neck, and head pain, and in the long term it can change the appearance of teeth and result in jaw joint disorders such as temporomandibular joint disorder. The same is true of too much gum chewing or nail baiting. Your no gap dentist Palm Beach will generally advise that you should reduce your stress levels, have a mouthguard or nightguard developed, or even consider botox to relax the muscles.
3. Brushing harder than you need to
It’s easy to assume that brushing your teeth harder will result in them being cleaner, but this isn’t the case. Hard brushing can wear away enamel, making way for discolouration or tooth decay. Furthermore, it can irritate your gum line, cause gum bleeding or even cause gums to recede. Your Palm Beach Dentist will usually advise using a soft bristle toothbrush and always replacing it when it starts to evidence wear and tear.
4. Drinking too much alcohol and not enough water
Staying hydrated can help you to salivate at the correct rate, preventing dry mouth. Drinking water can also help to wash away plaque and food debris left behind by sugary or starchy foods. On the other hand, alcoholic drinks often contain high sugar content, which can lead to plaque, and they are also acidic which can wear down your enamel. On top of this, they are often colourful and can lead to staining. Professional tooth whitening may be a suitable option if the damage is already caused.
5. Not going to the dentist regularly
This is the most serious of all bad dental habits because without going to the dentist, it’s hard to know which other bad dental habits you’re guilty of! Gold Coast Dental Haus is a popular Palm Beach dentist near me that can advise on healthy oral habits and help to correct any damage caused by poor oral hygiene. Find out more about the services we offer by calling (07) 5521 0536 or by visiting our Services Page.