7 Shocking Habits That Secretly Damage Your Teeth and Simple Ways to Stop Today
Many people think that as long as they watch their sugar intake and brush and floss each day, they’re teeth will be fine. And it’s true. Sugar and teeth don’t mix. And if you don’t brush those pearly whites twice a day and floss once a day, plaque is going to build up, which can lead to cavities. But there are other things that can wreak havoc on your teeth. And the seven shocking habits below, which are secretly damaging your teeth, are not what you might expect.
1. Chewing on Ice
Water is good for you, and ice is technically water. So chewing on ice shouldn’t be a big deal, right? Wrong. Ice is extremely hard and puts a lot of pressure on your teeth every time you bite down. Over time, that pressure can cause tiny cracks that weaken your teeth, and sometimes it can even lead to a chipped or fractured tooth in an instant.
Ice chewing also wears down your enamel, which is the protective layer that shields against cavities. Once enamel is worn away, sensitivity to hot and cold is much more likely, and your teeth become more vulnerable to decay. To make matters worse, ice can damage existing dental work, like fillings, crowns, or veneers, which may then need to be repaired or replaced.
2. Nail Biting
Have you ever heard your dentist or dental assistant warn you against using your teeth as tools? There’s a good reason for this. And when it comes to biting your nails, using nail clippers or a nail file is a much better choice. Nail biting places constant friction on the teeth, which can slowly wear down enamel and even cause chips or cracks.
Over time, it can shift teeth out of place, creating bite problems or gaps. In more serious cases, nail biting can even trigger root resorption, where the bone begins to break down tooth roots, an especially big concern for anyone wearing braces.
3. Using Teeth as Tools
Speaking of using your teeth as tools, nail biting isn’t the only culprit. Many people use their teeth to tear open bags, rip tape, or bite through a string when scissors aren’t nearby. While it might feel quick and convenient, these habits put unnecessary stress on your teeth. The force can crack enamel, chip edges, or even damage existing dental work. Repeated misuse also weakens teeth over time, leaving them more prone to breaks and decay.
4. Constant Snacking
We talked about sugar earlier, and we want to come back to that for a bit. Why? Because sugar and your teeth really don’t mix. This doesn’t mean you can’t have sugar. But it is important to enjoy it in moderation, not just for the health of your teeth, but for the health of your body too. Constant snacking, as a general rule, whether it is sweet or salty options, can fuel the production of both bacteria and acid in your mouth. And this combination can erode your dental enamel and make you more susceptible to cavities.
5. Brushing Your Teeth Incorrectly
Brushing your teeth daily, specifically twice a day for two minutes at a time, is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. But there needs to be a bit of a method to your madness. Not only does the technique and angle you use make a difference, but so does the pressure you apply. It may seem intuitive that the more pressure you apply to your teeth with your toothbrush, the more plaque you will remove.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The best approach to brushing your teeth is to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and use minimal pressure. When you are brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time, with the proper technique, a light pressure is all you need to help clean those pearly whites.
6. Skipping Flossing
Some dentists may argue that flossing is more important than brushing (though of course, you should still do both). At Staley Dental, your family dentist in Boise, ID, we believe that brushing and flossing, when combined, are the best approach for your teeth. When you brush your teeth, you loosen plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth.
But your toothbrush can’t get into all of those nooks and crannies or between your teeth. Dental floss can. So, if you aren’t flossing once a day, you may be secretly damaging your teeth more than you realize.
7. Grinding or Clenching Teeth
Last but not least, let’s talk about the impact of stress on your teeth. Many people grind or clench without even realizing it, especially at night. This repeated pressure can wear down enamel, flatten tooth surfaces, and even cause small cracks. Over time, it may also lead to jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Your family dentist in Boise, ID, may recommend a custom mouth guard to wear while you sleep, helping protect your teeth from further damage.
Protect your teeth by breaking harmful habits.
Breaking harmful habits is one of the best ways to protect your smile for years to come. While brushing, flossing, and limiting sugar are key, avoiding habits like ice chewing, nail biting, and teeth grinding is just as important. If you’re worried about the impact of these behaviors, your family dentist in Boise, ID, can help. At Staley Dental, we’ll work with you to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and free from damage caused by everyday habits. Schedule your next dentist appointment today.
