Did you know that poor dental hygiene habits are the leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease? If you’re not taking care of your teeth, you’re putting your smile and self-confidence at risk! Here are four poor dental hygiene habits that are sabotaging your smile and possibly your confidence.

Drinking Black Coffee Or Tea

Drinking black coffee or tea can stain your teeth over time. The tannins in these drinks can cause your teeth to become more yellow and stained. If you drink a lot of coffee or tea, be sure to brush your teeth after consuming them! You can also try using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Alternatively, you could try switching to herbal tea, which doesn’t contain any or much tannins. Green tea is also a great choice as it has antioxidants that help protect your teeth from decay! If you’re unable to cut out caffeine altogether, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day as well. This will help rinse away any staining agents and keep your mouth hydrated.

Not Brushing Your Teeth Regularly

If you’re not brushing your teeth twice a day, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Not only are you at risk for tooth decay and gum disease, but you’re also more likely to have bad breath! Make sure to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed for two minutes each time. Use fluoridated toothpaste and make sure to brush on the inside surfaces of your teeth and the chewing surfaces. Be sure to use gentle circular motions, and don’t forget to brush your tongue (this is where most bacteria live!). If you find it difficult to brush twice a day, try using an electric toothbrush or mouthwash.

Not Flossing Regularly

Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth! If you’re not flossing, you’re missing out on removing bacteria and plaque from in between your teeth. This can lead to cavities and gum disease. Be sure to floss at least once a day using gentle up-and-down motions. You should also use a different section of the floss for each tooth (this helps get all the nooks and crannies!). Don’t forget to floss the back molars; these are often missed or don’t receive as much attention during brushing! If flossing is a struggle, consider a water flosser. These are perfect for people who experience discomfort and pain while flossing with regular floss. 

Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your dental health. Not only does smoking increase your risk for oral cancer, but it also leads to gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re a smoker, be sure to see your dentist and doctor regularly and ask about ways to quit smoking. There are many resources available to help you stop, such as nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications. Quitting smoking will not only improve your overall health but will also lower your risk for dental problems! If you have been a smoker for years and would now like to stop or are struggling with low self-confidence due to your smile, then you should consider dental implants. However, it would be wise to give up these bad habits before considering implants!

In conclusion, if you’re practicing any of these poor dental hygiene habits, it’s time to make a change! Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy and beautiful smile!