3 Bright Ways to Break These Common Bad Dental Habits

We all want to have a good smile, but bad dental habits can get in the way. Learn which dental care mistakes you may be making and how to stop them today.

Mistake: Too Much Teeth Whitening

Even though whitening your teeth can make them brighter, bleaching too often is not a bright idea. Too much whitening can cause teeth and gums to get sensitive, as well as look very strange.

Solution: Typically, whitening products suggest bleaching once or twice a year. By following the product’s instructions and practicing proper dental care, your whiter teeth should stay beautifully white.

Mistake: Overly Aggressive Brushing

For some people, keeping their teeth clean is something of an obsession. They get too carried away with good dental care and wind up brushing too hard and too much. However, these aggressive actions can turn into bad dental habits by causing tooth enamel to erode and gums to recede.

Solution: The way you brush your teeth matters more than how often you brush them. When it comes to how to cure bad dental habits, dentists recommend switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently twice a day, along with flossing once a day.

Mistake: Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching Jaw

These are signs of a common dental disorder called bruxism, but many sufferers are unaware of these bad dental habits because they happen while they’re sleeping at night or as a course of habit during the day. No matter when they occur, they can cause cracked and shifting teeth, bone loss, gum recession, jaw pain, headaches, and other dental care problems. Symptoms of clenching or grinding include pain in your jaw joints, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, headaches, and sometimes the inability to close your mouth.

Solution: If you’re wondering how to cure bad dental habits, see your dentist. If the condition is due to a bad bite, your dentist can create a mouth guard for you to wear at night or refer you to an orthodontist for orthodontic work. If it’s the result of stress or anxiety, a psychologist can teach you ways to relax both your mind and your mouth.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Indiana, call Wadas Dental today or make an appointment.