Practicing a good routine of oral hygiene, along with regular dental visits, is the most effective way to maintain good oral health. Listed below are some common bad habits that can cause damage to your oral health.

• Smoking

Cigarettes contain nicotine and tar. The more you smoke or, the longer you’ve been smoking, the more stains build up on your teeth. Tar is sticky and can cling to your teeth. Nicotine has a drying effect and causes tooth sensitivity. More seriously, the chemicals in cigarettes can cause oral cancers in the mouth. Smokers are also more likely to develop gum disease due to tobacco’s increased acidity level. The chemical additives in cigarettes also cause dry mouth -- another risk factor for tooth decay. A dry mouth allows plaque to build up on your teeth more easily, causing decay and inflammation of your gums.

• Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is a habit many people do without even realizing it. It usually happens during sleep and is often caused by stress or anxiety. People who grind their teeth may wake up with sore jaws in addition to headaches and neck aches. Grinding your teeth can damage your enamel and lead to other problems, such as cracked teeth and sensitive gums. If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, your dentist may recommend a night guard or other device to protect your smile from damage. You should also try to reduce your stress levels to prevent grinding altogether.

• Nail biting

Nail biting may seem like an innocent habit, but it can actually lead to serious dental problems. Nail biting damages your teeth because it leads to cracks and chips in the enamel. These can eventually lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. Whether you bite your nails out of nervousness, boredom, or stress relief, it’s important to stop this bad habit now to avoid more serious complications down the road.

• Chewing ice

While ice is a tasty addition to your favorite drink, it can cause major damage to your teeth. The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in your body, but ice can make it susceptible to erosion. It can also cause sensitivity and even discoloration to the tooth surface over time. If you chew ice regularly, quit the habit at the earliest.

• Using teeth as tools

If you use your teeth for tasks such as tearing open food packages, you run the risk of chipping or breaking a tooth. This habit may also cause cracks in tooth enamel, which can make teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage. If you use your teeth as tools often, stop doing it. Use scissors instead.

Get the best dental services from the expert team of dental assistants led by Dr. Bipinjit Kaur at Tracy Arch Dental, Tracy, California. For more details and appointments, call us at (209) 820-0789, book online, or visit us at 1920 West Grant Line Road, Tracy, CA 95376.