Habits to Avoid to Protect Your Dental Health 

Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of deteriorating dental health and diseases. When you do not brush your teeth properly, plaque and bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and cause problems. Despite knowing the importance of dental health, many people show carelessness towards it. 

Many people do not go to family dentistry in San Jose, CA unless there is a problem, which is a bad habit. You should go to the dentist at least twice a year for a routine check-up, no matter how healthy you think your teeth may be. Apart from brushing, there are certain measures you can take to avoid dental problems. 

Habits to avoid to protect your dental health 

  • Not brushing or flossing regularly. 

It is recommended to brush at least twice a day and floss after every meal. These two practices are enough to keep away 90% of dental problems. If you do not brush and floss, plaque builds up in your teeth, which eventually leads to bacteria formation and then pain and inflammation. This then leads to gum disease. Gum disease has been linked with serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. 

  • Brushing your teeth and gums too hard. 

Not brushing can have adverse effects but brushing too hard can significantly damage your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that using a toothbrush with hard bristles and being too harsh on your gums and teeth can wear them down. Instead, buy a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush your teeth gently. 

  • Biting your fingernails. 

Although fingernail biting has been seen as a common habit, it can be extremely damaging to your teeth. Throughout the day, you touch various different things, and it is not possible to wash your hands every five minutes. 

Therefore, you are bound to accumulate dirt on your fingertips and inside your nails. Even if your nails appear clean, there might be bacteria there. Putting your fingernails in your mouth can expose them to harmful bacteria. 

  • Smoking. 

Smoking is an extremely bad habit for your overall health, but many do not know that it can damage your dental health significantly. It increases your risks of oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay and even gives you bad breath and stains. 

Dentists in San Jose, CA, have been warning patients about the adverse effects of smoking for a while now. If you are a smoker, the first thing you should probably do is try to cut down or quit completely.

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