Your oral habits significantly impact the health of your overall dental well-being. Certain repetitive behaviors can affect the integrity of your oral structures and lead to dental complications. You should understand these habits to protect oral health and prevent dental problems. Here are some of the oral habits and their effects on dental health:
Lip Biting
Lip biting is a common oral habit that can negatively affect dental health. Constantly biting or chewing on the lips can cause irritation, inflammation, and even injury to the delicate tissues.
It may also lead to the development of sores or ulcers. Also, persistent lip biting can put pressure on the teeth, leading to misalignment on your teeth. Breaking this habit is important to maintain healthy lips and prevent potential dental complications.
Nail Biting
Nail biting, or onychophagia, is a habit that affects the nails' appearance and can also harm dental health. Biting nails can lead to chips, cracks, or wear on the teeth, particularly the front teeth that often come into contact with the nails.
This habit can also introduce bacteria from the nails into the mouth, increasing the risk of infections or oral health issues. Breaking the nail-biting habit is important for dental and overall hygiene.
Chewing Ice
Chewing on ice may seem harmless, but it can harm dental health. Ice is a hard substance that can cause teeth to chip, crack, or fracture.
Constantly subjecting the teeth to the extreme cold and pressure of ice chewing can weaken the tooth enamel over time, making the teeth more vulnerable to damage. It is best to avoid chewing on ice to prevent potential dental emergencies and protect the integrity of the teeth.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a habit characterized by clenching or grinding the teeth, often unconsciously, particularly during sleep. This habit can lead to various dental problems, including worn-down tooth enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorders.
Wearing a nightguard or splint can help protect the teeth from excessive grinding forces and alleviate related symptoms. Stress management techniques and addressing underlying causes may also be beneficial in reducing teeth grinding. Visit our office today to learn how oral habits affect your dental health.
Dental Blog | Dentist Salem, OR | Fairmount Dental Center Fairmount Dental Center has created this dental blog to help patients and the community. Click to learn more about dental procedures, home care and more! Fairmount Dental Center, 1524 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97302-4310 \ (503) 362-8364 \ fairmountdentalcenter.com \ 3/23/2025 \ Page Terms:dentist Salem OR \
Your oral habits significantly impact the health of your overall dental well-being. Certain repetitive behaviors can affect the integrity of your oral structures and lead to dental complications. You should understand these habits to protect oral health and prevent dental problems. Here are some of the oral habits and their effects on dental health:
