Our oral health is affected by our lifestyle in more ways than we can imagine. From the things we eat and drink to the way we care for our teeth, our habits have a direct impact on our oral health. Here are three habits that can damage our smile.

Skipping Flossing

At our dental practice, we want all of our patients to have the healthiest smiles possible. Part of having a healthy smile is brushing and flossing regularly. However, flossing is often neglected by many people. But why skipping flossing is so dangerous? When you skip flossing, you leave cavities-causing bacteria behind on your teeth. Bacteria can feed on leftover bits of food and sugar in your mouth and produce acid that attacks your tooth enamel and causes decay, which can lead to the need for restorative treatments such as fillings or crowns.

Another danger of not flossing is that plaque can build up between teeth and gum lines. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of thirty. Gum disease is also linked to other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, so keeping your gums healthy is very important to your overall health.

To help you remember to floss each day, try to form it into a habit that you do at the same time every day. 

Not Brushing Regularly

Not brushing regularly can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which can require treatment from our dentist. Tooth decay occurs when foods or bacteria get stuck in between teeth and lead to acid production. This acid wears away the enamel on the tooth’s hard surface of enamel and causes a hole to form. Once it forms, the cavity can grow quite quickly, leading to sensitivity and pain. Gum disease is also caused by plaque buildup in the mouth. If plaque is left on teeth and gums for too long, the bacteria will irritate soft tissue and cause gingivitis to develop. This can cause swelling, bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, increased risk of cavities, and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

Using Your Teeth For Things, They Are Not Designed To Do

Your teeth were not designed to be tools! When you put too much pressure on your teeth, you are putting yourself at risk of chipping a tooth or cracking your crown or a veneer. If you crack a crown or a veneer, it can end up costing you a lot of money. You also run the risk of damaging the structural integrity of your tooth if you bite something hard with your teeth. Crunching on ice and hard candy can increase your chances of fracturing a tooth. When biting down on something hard, you are also inviting bacteria into your mouth, which can increase your risk for an infection in the pulp of your tooth. This infection can become incredibly painful, so it’s best to avoid crunching on hard things. 

To learn more, contact our office at (225) 926-4640 and schedule your next appointment with us. You can also visit our dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, at 4616 Concord Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain the healthiest smile possible.