With under a month left until the calendar flips to 2025, many of us have already begun thinking about some New Year's resolutions or just general goals we have for the new year. The realm of oral care is often considered here, and many people use the new year as a chance to try and break some negative dental habits they may want to get rid of.
At Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry, we're proud to offer a huge range of family dental care services to families around Layton and nearby areas, serving as the best dentist in the area - with services ranging from general dentistry and pediatric dentistry to many other specific areas. We often provide important dental care information to our patients, and the concept of breaking bad oral care habits is a common one in our offices. Here are a few examples of such habits that some people pick up for various reasons, plus some tips from our dental professionals on how to break them in the new year.
One of the single most common negative dental habits out there is called clenching or grinding, also sometimes referred to as bruxism. During this habit, the person will grind their teeth together in a manner that generally happens involuntarily - often while asleep. There are both physical and mental reasons why people may develop this habit, such as stress or anxiety, but the results can be disastrous for teeth over time.
If you think you may be dealing with clenching or grinding, consider speaking to our dentists about treatments like custom mouthguards or other options. And when it comes to breaking the habit itself? Consider relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and make sure you're getting enough sleep each night.
While some people may not necessarily think of nail biting as an oral care habit, it absolutely falls into this category. Biting your nails is an easy way to introduce bacteria and germs from your fingers directly into the mouth, plus can also damage the teeth themselves over time.
For those looking to break this habit in the new year, consider using a bitter nail polish or other deterrents specifically designed to help people stop biting their nails. You may also want to find alternative ways of managing stress or anxiety that do not involve putting your hands in your mouth.
Another common bad dental habit is using your teeth as tools for things like opening bottles or tearing open packaging. Not only does this put unnecessary strain on your teeth and jaw muscles, but it can also cause chips or cracks in the teeth.
To break this habit, make sure you have actual tools handy for tasks like opening packages. You may also want to consider keeping a water bottle nearby for when you need to open a stubborn bottle cap - simply wetting it with your mouth is often enough to loosen it. And remember, using your teeth as tools may save time in the moment, but it can lead to costly dental issues in the long run.
While we all want to get our teeth clean and healthy, brushing too hard is actually a negative oral care habit that can cause damage to teeth and gums. Over time, harsh brushing motions can wear away at enamel and irritate the gums, leading to sensitivity or even gum recession.
To avoid this problem, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and use gentle pressure when brushing. You may also want to try using an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to ensure you're not spending too much time on one area of your mouth. And don't forget - flossing is just as important as brushing for maintaining good oral health.
For a few different reasons, some people have a habit of chewing on ice cubes. Whether it's for the cold sensation or just as a way to pass time, this is actually quite damaging to your teeth. The hard surface of an ice cube can chip or crack teeth, and repetitive chewing can cause muscle strain in the jaw.
To break this habit, try swapping out ice cubes for healthier snacks like frozen grapes or berries. You may also want to keep a water bottle nearby to curb the urge to chew on something while bored or stressed. And if you're looking for that cold sensation, consider sucking on sugar-free mints instead - they won't harm your teeth in the same way as ice cubes.
As we continue into the new year, remember that breaking bad dental habits is an ongoing process and may take time. Don't get discouraged if you slip up - just keep working towards a healthier smile and don't hesitate to reach out to our team for additional tips and support. Here's to a happy and healthy new year for your oral care!
And if you need any help along the way, remember that Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry is here to provide top-notch dental care for your whole family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services!
