Research from dental clinics indicates that 34.9% of Australians do not brush their teeth twice daily. Neglect of oral hygiene is one of the worst habits for your teeth. The outcome is a rising prevalence of gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other serious health complications. This guide discusses bad habits that destroy teeth and gum and affect other organs.
Lifestyle Choices That Harm Teeth
Some people are more vulnerable to dental problems due to genetic disorders and chronic health problems. However, according to dental care Maroubra, the following habits increase the risk of damaging teeth.
- Abusing Narcotics
Drugs such as heroin, marijuana, and Meth have long-term impacts on a person’s quality of life. They affect dental health in various ways causing tooth decay and gum disease, which leads to tooth loss. The damage occurs due to the method used to take the drug or the components and effects of the drug on the body.
Some addictive drugs, such as Meth, dry out the mouth, leading to enamel erosion because of increased acid levels in the mouth. Meth and heroin encourage drinking beverages and eating snacks high in sugar and starch. All those factors, compounded by poor dental hygiene, increase plaque formation.
Alcohol causes acid reflux and poor absorption of nutrients by the body, which weaken the teeth and gums. It also contains colorants that stain the teeth. The fermented sugars in alcoholic beverages encourage plaque build-up and harm the teeth.
Some powdered drugs, such as cocaine, can cause sores on the gums when rubbed on them for absorption. Should mouth ulcers or sores appear, they become infected because of poor oral hygiene and lack of medical attention leading to gum disease.
Cocaine and amphetamines also cause muscular spasms, which lead to bruxism or teeth grinding. Bruxism damages the enamel, the jaw, and the gum and is a major concern in orthodontic treatment.
Sometimes, people struggling with drug addiction may not afford dental treatment, which would slow down or stop tooth degradation. Others spend most of their time looking for ways to procure more drugs or are intoxicated. Due to such circumstances, they neglect their oral hygiene because they do not have the time or concern for it.
Opioids are analgesics used medically as painkillers. It means that the drugs in that group reduce sensitivity to pain from gum disease or cavities; therefore, the person ignores the need for crucial dental treatment.
- Using Harsh Techniques to Maintain Oral Hygiene
While some ignore proper dental hygiene practices, others overzealously damage their teeth. Brushing in forward and backward motions repeatedly causes receding gums. It also wears away the enamel leading to sensitive and weakened teeth and, eventually, tooth decay. Excessive flossing also harms teeth.
Others use the wrong materials for cleaning, such as tough-bristled toothbrushes, which destroy the enamel. In addition, some use unorthodox remedies, like mixing different kinds of toothpaste and mouth rinses to alleviate bad breath or gum disease. Others rub table salt on their stained teeth to whiten them, gradually removing the enamel.
- Ignoring Dental Treatment
Whether out of fear, ignorance, or apathy, many patients shy away from visiting dental clinics. They miss out on the benefits of dental treatment and professional advice from regular check-ups. A dentist can detect early signs of weakening enamel, possible tooth decay, plaque build-up, and gum disease.
Early detection helps you to get dental intervention before things get worse. Besides, other essential treatments such as teeth scaling and alignment do not require a person to suffer a toothache to go for them, yet they improve a patient’s quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Lifestyle choices mirror a person’s smile. Missing or stained teeth, sore and diseased gums, bad breath, and toothache are the price for mismanaging oral hygiene and dental treatment. A gorgeous smile and peace of mind are long-term benefits of avoiding all bad habits that harm teeth.