Bad Boise Dental Habits to Kick

Patients around the Treasure Valley put their trust in the dentists at Summit Dental group because of our commitment to education and preventative care. Serving people in and around Boise, our patients can count on our practice for advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments in order to keep their smiles healthy and beautiful.

A huge part in maintaining optimal dental health is knowing what you should and shouldn’t do in order to keep your smile feeling and looking its best. With that in mind, let’s consider some bad Boise dental habits you should seriously consider kicking:

Tobacco Use

If you smoke or use tobacco, it can lead to a variety of Boise dental health problems. This includes stains, bad breath, and an increased risk of oral cancer or gum disease. While there are some serious reasons to quit smoking, the health of your smile is one of them.

Brushing and Flossing Too Hard

While your Boise dentist highly recommends brushing and flossing on a regular basis, it can however be bad for your smile if you’re not doing it right. Some people brush and floss to hard resulting in damage to your gums that in turn can cause gum recession. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth gently yet thoroughly. We also recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles, not medium or hard ones.

Chewing on Hard or Inedible Objects

Often we find ourselves biting our nails, chewing on straws or on ice and pens. While it seems innocent enough, biting or chewing on hard or inedible things can cause damage to your teeth.

Opening Things with Your Teeth

We’ve all done it. Sometimes instead of finding scissors to open a bag of chips or removing a tag from a new article of clothing, we find ourselves using our teeth as a tool. Doing so greatly increases your chances of breaking or chipping a tooth!

Snacking on Sugary Foods

While we all love candy and other sugary foods, it’s important to remember that by over indulging, and not taking proper precautions like rinsing with water or brushing your teeth afterward increases your risk of developing cavities. Try limiting your daily intake of sugary foods, not only will your waistline thank you but your teeth will as well.

Not Wearing a Mouthguard

If you are the type of person who enjoys physical sports, it’s crucial that you wear a mouthguard in order to avoid any Boise dental injuries. Doing so will help to insure the health of your teeth, gums and tongue.

Not Visiting Your Boise Dentist Regularly

It’s extremely important to visit your dentist at least twice a year  for regular dental work and cleanings in order to maintain good Boise dental health. Doing so will also help prevent minor problems from becoming much bigger, and more expensive ones.

Contact Summit Dental Today

To learn more about improving the health and beauty of your smile, contact Summit Dental at (208) 314-2275. Our practice believes that preventative care and education are extremely important when it comes to maintaining optimal dental health. Whether your dental needs are a complete exam and cleaning, a full mouth restoration, or anything in between, Summit Dental Group will provide exceptional care as we restore and enhance the natural beauty of your smile.