Why You Should Avoid These Poor Dental Habits

Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily, but these practices may not be enough to prevent tooth decay if you have a lot of poor dental habits. We offer four reasons why you should avoid these poor dental habits.

High Sugar Intake
Cavities often develop when you chew gum, eat too much candy, drink a lot of soda and fruit juice, and eat sugar-rich foods such as carbohydrates and starches. Sugar coats the surface of your teeth and mingles with the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel and form cavities. Instead of giving up sugary food entirely, eat them in moderation at mealtimes instead of as a snack, then then flush out your mouth with water if you are unable to brush your teeth.

Tobacco Use
The use of tobacco includes many health risks, including an increased risk of jawbone loss, gum disease, and and oral cancer.

Poor Dental Habits
If you have a habit of chewing on pens or ice, you may have some wear on your teeth that can erode tooth enamel and result in damage. Excessive tooth wear may be a sign of bruxism, in which you unconsciously grind your teeth at night. Bruxism can only be treated by a dentist.

Poor Dental Hygiene
Neglecting your dental care can lead to dental problems such as gum disease because it allows bacteria to feed on food particles and sugar, leading to cavity-causing acids. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily should be a regular part of routine dental care.

If you have any questions about treating or preventing poor dental health in Farmington, New Mexico, we would love for you to visit Jack O. Smalley, DDS. Call 505-327-3331 and schedule your appointment with Dr. Jack Smalley, our friendly dentist!