5 Oral Habits You Must Avoid at All Costs

Looking for ways to take care of your teeth and lower your risk of experiencing a dental emergency? Here are some of the top tips from our NE Calgary dentist on how to look after your oral health and which habits you need to avoid. 

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Taking care of your teeth is key to ensuring your mouth stays healthy, and helps lower your risk of experiencing a dental emergency or serious conditions related to your teeth and gums. Practicing good dental hygiene is important to prevent: 

• Tooth decay
• Tooth loss
• Gum disease
• Oral cancer

Whatever your family’s dental needs, our NE Calgary family dentists and dental hygienists offer a wide range of oral care services from teeth cleanings and dental emergency care, to Invisalign and teeth whitening to ensure the long-term health of your teeth and gums. 

Our NE Calgary Dentists Are Available for Dental Emergency Treatment During COVID-19 

To keep our patients, staff, and community safe, we have suspended all non-emergency dental care for the time being. However, we do understand that dental emergencies can spring up at any time, which is why our Calgary dentists are on hand to assist you with any urgent conditions or concerns. 

Want to find out more about our dental emergency and telehealth services? 

TELEHEALTH AND DENTAL EMERGENCY SERVICES DURING COVID-19
 

5 Dental Habits to Avoid For a Healthy Mouth 

Most people have engaged in a few bad dental habits at some point in time, but trying to avoid them can help you maintain optimal oral health and avoid any unpleasant trips to the dentist!

Here are five dental hygiene habits you need to avoid: 

1. Forgetting To Floss

Brushing and flossing should ALWAYS go hand in hand. However, more often than not, people always forget to do the latter. Flossing is very important because it helps remove the bacteria trapped between your teeth, which lowers your risk for many oral conditions, including:

• Tooth decay
• Periodontal disease
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Tooth loss
• Gingivitis

While flossing your teeth can be a challenging habit to develop, it is one that is well worth the effort. Adding it to your daily routine keeps your teeth bright, white and healthy!

5 TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR ORAL HEALTH 
 

2. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

You may have heard that scrubbing your teeth hard while you brush will help remove plaque and bacteria. The truth is that brushing too vigorously has negative implications for your oral health. In fact, extreme pressure can actually harm your tooth’s enamel and gum tissue. 

Choose The Right Toothbrush

Brushing habits are extremely important but it all begins by choosing the right type of toothbrush. One of the most crucial factors to take into consideration when doing so is the type of bristle.

Why is a soft bristle better than a hard one? Bristles come in all shapes, forms and stiffness so choosing the right one is key. Softer bristles will help protect the tooth’s enamel from erosion, while the bristles will be easier and more gentle on your gums.

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH

3. Smoking 

Cigarettes and tobacco products will not only stain your teeth, but they can have huge negative effects on your oral health and increase your risk of: 

• Tooth loss
• Tooth decay
• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Periodontal disease 

If you are a smoker, then you may want to consider talking to your doctor about creating a plan to help you quit. Your oral and overall health will benefit greatly! 

4. Opening Packages or Other Items With Your Teeth 

While it may seem convenient at the time, using your teeth as a tool to open packages or other items can cause them to chip or crack, and you’ll have a dental emergency on your hands. Also avoid chewing on ice, pens, and pencils, as this can damage your teeth and irritate the soft tissue of your mouth. 

5. Overconsumption of Alcohol

People who are dependent on alcohol have higher plaque levels on their teeth and are much more likely than those who don’t overconsume alcohol to suffer from permanent tooth loss. This likely happens because alcohol dries the mouth, preventing saliva from doing its job of cleaning the mouth and killing bacteria. 
 

Have a Dental Emergency or Question About Your Oral Health?

If you have a question about your oral health, or you think you have a dental emergency, our Calgary dentists are only a phone call away. We will ask you for information regarding your situation and advise you on any necessary next steps. If you do need to visit the clinic, we will book an appointment.

To find out more, contact us at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.