Preventive Dentistry: 4 Bad Habits Wear Down Teeth

Preventive dentistry aims to keep teeth healthy and prevent common dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease from occurring. These are not the only issues that can damage a person's teeth, though. There are certain habits that can lead to teeth becoming damaged over time. The end result is often teeth that are not particularly attractive and multiple visits to the dentist. Keeping the mouth healthy is also important given the link between dental health and overall health. For example, those with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and the reverse is true for those with gum disease. Teeth are also the most noticeable part of a person's appearance. People tend to feel self-conscious when they are not proud of the condition of their teeth.

Four habits that can damage teeth

Here are some habits that can cause damage to a person's teeth enamel:

1. Teeth grinding

The worst part about this habit is the fact most people do not even realize they do it. It mostly happens while a person sleeps, but some people grind their teeth while they are awake. Medically termed bruxism, teeth grinding puts excessive force and wear on teeth. It slowly wears down a person's teeth surfaces and can lead to them becoming flat. A common solution for those who grind their teeth is the use of a customized night guard. It acts as a shock absorber that prevents opposing sets of teeth from making direct contact. Those who grind their teeth should talk to a dentist about it immediately to prevent serious damage to their teeth.

2. Chewing on hard things

Some people love to bite their fingernails, while others prefer chewing on hard things like ice. Teeth are not designed to be used to bite down on things that are that hard. It can lead to chipped, fractured and broken teeth. Anyone with any of these habits should take serious steps towards eliminating them.

3.  Eating lots of sugary treats

Sugar causes lots of damage to teeth thanks to its acidic nature and how much oral bacteria love it. It eats away at teeth enamel and leads to the formation of cavities. Sugar is a sticky substance, and it is harder to get off of teeth surfaces than most other substances. Regularly eating candies and sipping on sodas all day is an effective way to end up with damaged teeth.

4. Poor oral hygiene

When a person habitually fails to properly take care of their teeth, they become more vulnerable to issues like tooth decay and gum disease. This will eventually lead to the person's teeth becoming damaged, and it can also lead to teeth falling out. When the person also fails to visit a dentist twice a year, the odds of their teeth becoming damaged becomes even greater.

Preventive dentistry keeps dental issues away

Thanks to preventive dentistry, there are a variety of treatments that can keep your teeth healthy and free of issues that can damage them. Stop by and explore your options today. Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office. Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care. [recent-blogs count=4 layout="horizontal" category="preventative-dental-care-cat,routine-dental-care-cat,dental-cleaning-and-examinations-cat,dental-checkup-cat,general-dentist-cat,general-dentistry-services-cat,routine-dental-procedures-cat"]