Amelia Grant

Many people want to have a healthy and beautiful smile. However, there are a lot of factors that can affect the condition of your teeth and gums. If you have bad habits that impact your oral health, it's high time to get rid of them. In this article, we have gathered six bad habits that can significantly worsen your smile.

1. Smoking

Smoking tends to be one of the most dangerous habits. If you smoke regularly, then you probably know how this bad habit affects your oral cavity. People who smoke often have bad breath, stained and dark teeth, increased tartar accumulation, and many other problems. 

Additionally, smokers are more likely to develop gum disease, a condition that can cause gum recession, pus between the teeth, and tooth loss. So if you want to improve your smile, it is better to quit smoking as soon as possible. 

2. Poor oral hygiene

It is important to understand that a gorgeous smile requires thorough care. If you don't maintain proper oral hygiene, it is not surprising that your smile can be far from perfect. 

Firstly, you need to brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning before meals and in the evening after meals. Secondly, don't forget to use dental floss at least once a day to remove food particles and dental plaque from your teeth. Thirdly, rinse your mouth with plain water or mouthwash to refresh your teeth and keep your teeth clean.

3.  Aggressive tooth brushing

There is a common misconception that the more force you apply with the toothbrush and the stiffer the bristles are, the cleaner your teeth will be. But the reality is that aggressive tooth brushing and the use of a toothbrush with stiff bristles can do more harm than good and remove your tooth enamel. 

This can result in increased tooth sensitivity and enamel wear. In some cases, the damage can be so severe that you may need to get a dental crown to cover the affected tooth. That's why you need to brush your teeth gently (but thoroughly) and use a toothbrush with soft bristles.

4. Chewing hard objects

Many people tend to chew and gnaw hard objects (like ice cubes, pens, pencils, etc. ) while studying, talking, or thinking. Indeed, you can do it subconsciously but it is essential to understand that this habit can significantly affect the condition of your teeth and gums. For example, you can easily fracture your tooth or injure your gums while chewing an ice cube. That's why it is important to control yourself and try to change this bad habit.

5. Insufficient water consumption

It is important to understand that water is essential for your health and wellness. If you don't drink enough water, it can lead to dehydration. In the oral cavity, insufficient water consumption can lead to the development of dry mouth. This condition causes bad breath, a changed sense of taste, and other symptoms. Additionally, drinking water helps remove debris from your mouth.

6. Skipping dental exams

There is a common misconception that you need to visit a dentist only if you have some obvious signs of oral issues. The problem is that many conditions that can affect your teeth and gums may develop asymptomatically. Regular dental checkups (at least twice a year) can help prevent the aggravation of these conditions. 

The bottom line

You should understand that a beautiful smile means strong and healthy teeth and gums. If you want to improve the look of your smile, you need to get rid of bad habits, maintain proper hygiene, eat healthy foods, and visit your dentist on a regular basis.