How are those New Year’s resolutions going? Was one of them to improve your overall health? While exercise and diet often top the list, your oral health deserves equal attention, and the new year is the perfect opportunity to address bad dental habits.
4 Bad Dental Habits and How to Address Them
Justison & Gladnick Family Dentistry is here to help you make positive, lasting changes to help you achieve and maintain your healthiest smile. Here are four habits you may not even realize are a problem and how to address them.
- Teeth Grinding — Also called bruxism, this habit often occurs during sleep and can lead to worn enamel, cracked teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even jaw problems over time. Our team can customize a nightguard to protect teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. Stress management techniques such as meditation or regular exercise can help reduce daytime grinding.
- Nail Biting — This habit often stems from anxiety or boredom and can chip teeth and impact your jaw alignment. Consider keeping your hands occupied with stress balls or fidget devices, and maintain regular manicures as an incentive to avoid biting.
- Ice-Chewing Habit — The urge to chew ice or bite hard objects like pencils or pen caps can be strong, but these habits risk cracking or chipping your teeth. Sometimes, ice chewing can indicate an iron deficiency, so consult your healthcare provider if you find this habit difficult to break. Keep sugar-free gum handy as a safer alternative for your chewing urges.
- Inconsistent Flossing — Many people brush regularly but find flossing inconvenient or time-consuming. Keep floss in visible locations, such as your desk or nightstand, to make the process more convenient. If traditional flossing proves challenging, consider switching to floss picks or a water flosser. The key is finding a method that you’ll stick with for the long term.
Professional Support for Lasting Change
Breaking habits takes time and patience, but you don't have to do it alone. Contact our Wilmington, DE, dental office to schedule an appointment. Together, we can develop strategies to protect your smile and break those persistent bad dental habits for good.
