The teeth consist of hard calcium materials to make up the enamel, dentin and cementum layers of the teeth. Tooth pulp and the dental nerve sit behind the hard tooth material. Dental nerves provide sensations to the teeth while tooth pulp offers good hydration and nutrition. The outer tooth enamel helps to protect the teeth with a fibrous construction that is impenetrable. However, certain habits can destroy tooth enamel and weaken the teeth. These habits should be controlled or discontinued to retain good oral health.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is one bad habit that can harm the teeth. Teeth grinding occurs at night most often when an individual mashes their molars together. Normal biting and chewing can place over 200 pounds of pressure on the teeth and grinding will cause even more pressure to be retained. Teeth grinding slowly forces openings in the tooth enamel to create sensitivity. Also, the intense pressure can wear away the top surfaces of the teeth. People who have troubles with teeth grinding require a night guard made by a general dentist. Teeth that are ground down too much will require more extensive treatments that include root canal therapy and crown adhesion. A general dentist, oral surgeon or a sedation dentist, will be needed to offer medication or IV sedation to limit pain, fear and discomfort during the treatments.
Poor Food Choices
Some people have a habit of eating sugary and acidic foods on a regular basis. These foods are bad for the teeth because they eat through the dental enamel. Dental enamel cannot grow back after it has worn away. This means that the teeth will become very sensitive once enamel is thinned. Thinned enamel allows for the exposure of dentin to the degree that dental decay can occur. Individuals should rinse the mouth after they drink orange juice or eat sugary foods. Also, a dental professional can offer fluoride treatments to help shift the dental enamel to areas across the teeth that need protection.
Poor Oral Hygiene
People who brush and floss irregularly will notice poor dental health. This is the case due to the build up of plaque and dental tartar across the teeth. Both plaque and tartar allow bacteria to feed and multiply at an increased rate. These bacteria release chemical agents that will eat through areas of the tooth enamel. Bacteria will start to decay cementum and dentin after a hole or weakness forms in the tooth. Dental decay can be prevented by brushing the teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Brushing the teeth for a full two minutes will be adequate enough to remove all plaque before it can turn into tartar.
Nail Biting
Nail biting is a compulsive habit in which people gnaw at their nails with their teeth. This habit will wear down the dental enamel and create rough surfaces across the edges of the teeth. Misalignments or malocclusions of the teeth are common as well when nail biters consistently force stress on the teeth. Dentists will need to treat damaged teeth by using fillings, caps and crowns. Any misalignments will need to be repaired with the use of metal or clear aligner braces.
Bad habits and poor oral care can create a variety of dental conditions. Individuals should know that their choices and behaviors can create dental decay and eventual tooth loss conditions. Speaking to a dental professional to discuss behaviors can greatly reduce oral health risks.
Information credit: Abougoush Professional Corp