It’s simply part of human nature to form habits. However, it’s important to identify if any of these seemingly-harmless practices do more harm than good, especially when our health is involved. Here, we will discuss some of the most common habits that might be detrimental to gum health.
- Brushing your teeth too hard.
When done incorrectly, good habits can still lead to bad results. Despite what many people believe, brushing harder will not make your teeth cleaner. In fact, doing it in this manner can cause damage to your gums. Dentists put emphasis on brushing in a proper manner rather than using force, as it’s actually the mechanical movement that makes brushing effective, not the degree of rigor doing it. Avoid tooth gum wounds and tooth injuries by gently moving the brush back and forth in short strokes at a 45-degree angle. This way, your gums won’t receive excessive impact from the bristles.
- Biting your fingernails.
Biting your nails or other non-edible items poses great risk to your gum health. Harmful bacteria under your fingernails can get into cuts in your gums, increasing the likelihood of colds or other infections. It can also lead to tooth chipping or cracking and a strained jaw when done excessively. A helpful way to slowly get rid of this habit is by keeping your nails trimmed short or applying bitter-tasting nail polish.
- Smoking cigarettes or tobacco.
It goes without saying that smoking causes harm to overall health. In the context of oral health, smoking causes harm to the gums by weakening the body’s immune system. If you have a preexisting gum condition, the healing process can take slower than usual because your body’s defenses are down. Smoking also increases staining and plaque build-up in the teeth, resulting in poor oral health. A wide variety of specialty hygiene products such toothpaste and mouthwash have been specifically made for smokers. Consult your dentist for a recommendation or a general oral check-up if you find yourself experiencing gum issues.
- Consuming foods that are high in acid and sugar.
Your sugar consumption can cause an imbalance to the pH levels in your mouth. When the natural bacteria existing in your saliva interacts with sugar, it results in an increased formation of acid. This can result in gingivitis or more severe forms of gum disease when left untreated. It also promotes growth of bad bacteria in the mouth that increases the likelihood of receding gums – an issue that might require extensive treatments to repair. Opt for a balanced diet and make sure to brush, floss, and gargle regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Drinking acidic, alcoholic, and caffeinated beverages.
Apart from what you eat, your drink choices also cause a significant impact on your gum health. The various acids found in fruit juices, sodas, and coffee can cause erosion to your tooth enamel. This results in an increased build-up of bacteria in your teeth, subsequently causing harm to the gums. Similar to caffeine, alcoholic beverages can also decrease saliva production in the mouth – causing gum irritation from dry mouth. Prevent sores and other injury to your gums by increasing your water intake and by maintaining proper oral hygiene.
If you find yourself doing these habits on the regular, start making changes as soon as possible by replacing them with better ones. To know more about the best practices that guarantee excellent oral health, consult with a dental care expert. Since 1985, American Dental Clinic has been providing the highest level of dentistry through its locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Receive unparalleled oral health care services by getting in touch with us today.
