4 Bad Dental Habits to Avoid During Quarantine

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for all of us. Whether you’ve lost your job or are getting adjusted to working from home, this new way of life affects us all. In times of sudden change, we often turn to habits that can be destructive to our health. Some of these can negatively impact the health of our teeth and gums. Here are a few common habits that hurt your oral health, as well as some tips on how to put a stop to them.

Grinding Your Teeth

Sometimes when stress gets the better of us, we unconsciously grind our teeth together. While this habit, known as bruxism, might seem harmless, it can actually contribute to accelerated wear and tear of your enamel. Additionally, it can lead to chipped or cracked teeth. Since a lot of teeth grinders engage in the habit while they’re sleeping, ask your dentist about getting a nightguard. This protective plastic tray keeps your top and bottom arches from making harmful contact during the night.

Biting Your Nails

Nail-biting is a habit that’s detrimental for both your fingernails and your pearly whites. It increases your risk of cracking, chipping, and breaking your teeth. Some research has also suggested that it may contribute to bruxism. Sharp nails could also lacerate your gums. To combat this habit, wear a clear, foul-tasting nail polish. Alternatively, you could wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it whenever you feel the temptation to bite your nails.

Smoking

It should come as no surprise that smoking is bad for your oral health. People who smoke (or chew) tobacco are more than twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop gum disease and ultimately lose their teeth. If you’re having trouble kicking the habit, ask your dentist or doctor for help. They should be more than happy to supply you with plenty of resources.

Excessive Drinking

Having a drink every once in a while is fine, but frequent and excessive alcohol consumption contributes to dry mouth. When you don’t have enough saliva, leftover food particles don’t get washed away from your teeth. They then attract harmful bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Try to stick to two drinks or fewer per day. Additionally, when you do drink, it’s a good idea to sip water as well, since this can keep dry mouth at bay.

In times of intense stress, it’s very easy to let ourselves fall into dangerous habits like these. If you need help quitting any of them, your dentist or doctor should have ample resources to help you.

About the Author

Dr. Corey Martinez is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He has a particular passion for oral surgery and endodontics, or root canals. His professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you need help kicking any of the harmful habits described above, you can contact Dr. Martinez’s office by calling (765) 724-7729.