These Four Unhealthy Practices Are Ruining Your Oral Health!

These Four Unhealthy Practices Are Ruining Your Oral Health!

Smiles are the universal language of kindness. Pasting one on your face can make someone else's day. To some, a smile can make or break a first impression. Needless to say, anybody can benefit from a warm smile. Of course, smiles can only do the trick when armed with good oral health. If you have brown or black teeth, obvious bad breath, or a bunch of cavities, the impact of your smile suffers. Of course, smiles can only do the trick when armed with good oral health. If you have brown or black teeth, obvious bad breath, or a bunch of cavities, the impact of your smile suffers. What some fail to consider is there's more to just teeth when it comes to dental well-being. The gums, tongue, and even the lips need to be cleaned for a healthy mouth.  

If you have an oral regimen you stick to, you're on the right track. However, bad habits may plague your healthy routine. Below are a few of them. Read on and find out the do not's of good oral health.

Not brushing your teeth regularly

Let's start with the basics. Brushing your teeth regularly is the bare minimum to a happy mouth. Failing to do so will lead you along a path of oral problems. Dental experts recommend brushing your teeth after every meal -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This ensures no plaque gets stuck in between your teeth throughout the day. 

However, brushing regularly isn't the only solution. You may be using the wrong toothbrush without your knowing it. Studies have shown hard bristles cause the erosion of  protecting the inner parts of your teeth. If the bristles of your toothbrush are anything but soft, it would be best to replace them.

Smoking doesn't just kill the lungs. A study suggests having a few puffs of cigarette smoke can cause tremendous problems for oral health. Dental experts have concluded cigarette smokers increase their chance of getting gum disease by up to six times compared to non-smokers. Smoking is also known to give you a nasty case of bad breath.

It doesn't stop there. Smoking also harms the teeth through the build-up of tartar. Doing so disrupts the flow of saliva. This causes bacteria to stick to the recesses of the teeth and gums. When uncleaned, bacteria slowly turn into tartar. The worst thing about this oral atrocity is how professionals are the only ones who can take them out of your mouth.

If you suffer from a smoking addiction, it's best to break free from it. Otherwise, it may be too late to get back that radiant smile. 

The do's of good oral health

There are a number of ways that lead to a road of dental dilemmas. Thankfully, there are healthy habits known to balance these out to good oral health. 

Flossing

Perhaps one of the most underestimated tools to a happy mouth, flossing helps get rid of stubborn plaque unreachable by mere brushing. You'll be amazed by the wonders a little piece of floss can bring to your smile. 

For starters, it helps rid your mouth of tartar buildup. A study suggests flossing also keeps your gums healthy. This can come in handy against signs of gum disease, or worse, gingivitis. Just like any other proper oral practice, flossing saves you a painful and pricey trip to the dentist. 

Visiting a dentist

This may not be known to many but your dentist is your best ally in achieving proper oral health. Admit it. There are dental questions racing in your head you just can't answer yourself. When in doubt, it's always best to seek professional help. 

Forget about the painful treatments for a moment (especially since new technology means they can be a thing of the past). Think about the healthier mouth you'll get after your visit. Besides, a trip to the dentist every six months is worth protecting yourself from the harms of bad oral hygiene. So, give your dentist a call. You'll thank yourself for it.

Hydrating yourself

This may come off as a surprise to you, but water can improve your smile. One of the reasons this is so is how it aids in washing off the bits of food you consume. This leaves cavity-causing bacteria with nothing to eat in your mouth. In essence, water is the natural cleanser of the mouth.

Surprisingly, water strengthens your pearly whites, too. Water contains fluoride known for keeping your teeth strong and durable. There's really no need to search for more reasons to stay hydrated throughout the day. Just think of your oral health and how water can help.

Final thoughts

Breaking bad habits is no easy feat. This becomes a bigger challenge when the habits have been in your system for years. When it gets hard to break, just think of the oral health you want to achieve for yourself. Sure, you'll fall into pits and give in to urges but that's all part of the process. What matters is an unwavering mindset to a healthy and happy mouth. 

Let Happy Sapiens help you with maintaining your healthy smile. Call us at (281) 356-3351 or click here to learn more.