Bad Oral Habits

While growing up, we all pick up different behaviors whether good or bad. And when it comes to our oral health, there are so many bad habits that we usually get from childhood and it quietly stays with us as we grow older. Most times we don't even realize how harmful they are until it's already causing discomfort or even long-term damage.

Name the most common bad habits we acquire as children?

One of the most common bad oral habits that people, especially children, fall into is thumb sucking. I remember seeing kids around my area, including myself, who sucked their thumb even when we were no longer toddlers. It felt comforting back then, especially when sleeping. But what most parents don’t know is that if it continues for too long, it can actually misalign the teeth and even affect how the jaws grow.

Another bad habit that starts early is nail biting. This is one of the common oral habits that follows many people into adulthood. I struggled with it during secondary school. I would just unconsciously start biting my nails any time I was nervous or anxious—maybe before a test or when something was bothering me.
It was not only unhygienic, but it also affected my teeth and gums over time.

There’s also the habit of chewing on hard objects like pens, bottle caps, or even using your teeth to open things. I can’t count how many people I know who chipped their tooth just trying to open a bottle cover with their teeth, at first it may show how cool you are, but it causes damage in the long run.

Then comes the issue of brushing too hard. Most people think brushing their teeth forcefully makes them cleaner, but that's far from true. Using too much pressure or using a hard toothbrush can actually harm your gums and wear down your enamel. I used to do this myself, thinking I was being extra hygienic. It was during a visit to the dentist I found out I had caused mild gum recession.

I’ve also had the habit of skipping night brushing sometimes. After the long day's stress I would come back home feeling tired and would not even think of brushing. But doing that regularly gives room for bacteria to build up overnight, leading to bad breath and eventually decay.

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Tell me if you have had any bad oral habits and how you acquired them

My Experience with Bad Oral Habits

I’ll be honest—I’ve had more than one bad oral habit. The worst for me was taking sugary foods like candy, biscuits, and soda. I didn’t realize how harmful it was until I started getting regular toothaches and had to do a filling on one of my molars. The dentist explained how frequent sugar exposure gives bacteria the chance to form acid that eats away the teeth. That was when I knew I had to stop without being told.

Also, I chewed gum almost every day back then. I didn’t know that excessive gum chewing (especially the sugar-filled ones) could cause jaw strain or tooth sensitivity. So yes, I’ve been there.

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How can we avoid falling into these bad habits

How to eradicate these bad habits

The first step is always awareness. A lot of us grew up doing these things without anyone really explaining the damage they cause. Parents and teachers need to start educating children early. Simple conversations, educational cartoons, or even school talks can go a long way.

Next, we need to build better oral hygiene routines. For instance, brushing twice a day with the right technique, using soft-bristled toothbrushes, flossing, and even visiting the dentist at least once or twice a year. That way, any forming problem can be noticed early and corrected.

Replacing bad habits with healthier alternatives is also effective. For nail biters, keeping nails trimmed and applying bitter-tasting polish can help. For people who chew objects, keeping a stress ball or chewing sugar-free gum occasionally can minimize the addiction to those habits.

How can we avoid falling into these bad habits

How to Avoid falling into these bad habits

As Prevention is better than cure, it’s best to stay conscious of your behavior and avoid picking bad oral habits, as they can cause damage. Some preventive measures include:

• Don't use your teeth to open things, it may seem cool, but it can cause damage.
• Avoid regular snacking on sweets and chocolates.
• Don’t brush too hard; it's not about pressure, it's about technique.
• Try not to clench or grind your teeth during stress. You can learn relaxation techniques or talk to a dentist if it becomes a problem.
• Practice discipline when it comes to brushing before bed, no matter how tired you are.

Also, surround yourself with a good oral care environment. If your friends or family follow healthy habits, it motivates you to do the same. Even here on steemit , I've been able to pick a thing or two from the routine users share, and that has quite been helpful.

Conclusion

I have completely drop some of these habits, and still working on the others, with consistent efforts. It wasn’t overnight, but it’s possible. Even now, I’m still working on avoiding late-night sugary snacks.

Oral health has to do with more than just our teeth alone. It can affect confidence, general health, even social interactions. So, whether it’s for ourselves or for children under our care, taking steps to stop and avoid bad oral habits is one of the best decisions we can make.

Thanks for reading.

I invite @mr-peng @imohmitch @us-andrew to participate in this contest