How Your Lifestyle Choices Affect Your Oral Health
We are passionate about helping our patients have optimal oral health. This is why we encourage our patients to visit our office for routine hygiene examinations. Between visits, it is important to make wise choices in regard to your oral health. Some people make poor lifestyle choices, which can negatively impact their oral health. While these habits might not be affecting your oral health now, they will most certainly lead to problems in the future. Read on to learn more:
How Your Lifestyle Can Affect Your Oral Health
Unfortunately, some people make poor lifestyle choices, and it can negatively impact your oral health. While these habits might not be affecting your oral health now, they will most certainly lead to problems in the future. Here are some habits you may want to change:
High Stress Levels
You may be surprised to learn that stress can lead to problems with your oral health. Patients who are under higher than normal levels of stress commonly experience bruxism, or the clenching and grinding of teeth. Over time, this will lead to uneven wear, which can cause the teeth to crack and break.
Use of Nicotine Products
You have likely heard about all the health problems related to smoking and using tobacco products. In addition to general health problems, using these products can lead to issues with your oral health, such as gum disease and oral cancer.
Using Teeth as Tools
It can be very tempting to use your teeth to open a package, rip off a tag, or open a bottle, but doing any of these things can lead to oral health problems. Using your teeth as a tool is a harmful habit that can cause serious issues, such as cracked and broken teeth. You can also cause severe damage to your oral health by chewing on ice.
Oversnacking
Snacking throughout the day can cause serious harm to your oral health. Each time you eat, you are introducing bacteria into your mouth. Eating often throughout the day, such as snacking with a handful of something here and there, can lead to an increase in decay. It is best to eat primarily during mealtimes. This can also occur when drinking sugary coffee and other drinks throughout the day. We recommend increasing your daily water intake and decreasing the number of sugary beverages you consume.
If you are experiencing dental discomfort, due for a routine hygiene examination, or experiencing a dental emergency, we can help. Contact our office, which is located in Watsonville, CA, to schedule an appointment. We want to help get your oral health on track.