Habits That Hurt Your Teeth (and What to Do Instead)

Brushing and flossing are essential parts of maintaining good oral health—but they’re only part of the picture. Some everyday habits may seem harmless but can quietly wear down your teeth, cause damage to dental work, or lead to more serious issues over time.

At Dental Excellence, we’re here to help you protect your smile by not only encouraging healthy habits but also helping you break the ones that may be doing harm. Here are some of the most common habits that can damage your teeth—and what you can do instead.

Nail Biting

It’s a nervous habit that often goes unnoticed—but biting your nails puts tremendous pressure on your front teeth. Over time, this can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, worn enamel, and even jaw tension or dysfunction. For patients with dental restorations or orthodontic appliances, nail biting can also cause unnecessary complications.

What to do instead: Try keeping your nails trimmed short and using a bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage the habit.

Chewing on Hard Objects

Whether it’s the end of a pen, ice cubes, or even your sunglasses, chewing on non-food items can put your teeth at risk. Hard objects can wear down enamel, damage fillings, and even lead to fractures or broken crowns.

What to do instead: If you find yourself chewing out of habit, try sugar-free gum as a safer option that stimulates saliva and supports oral health.

Using Teeth as Tools

It might seem quick and convenient to use your teeth to open a package or tear off a tag—but it’s a shortcut that can lead to serious damage. Your teeth aren’t designed to handle that kind of force, and using them as tools can lead to cracks, chips, or even a knocked-out tooth.

What to do instead: Keep scissors, bottle openers, and other tools handy so you won’t be tempted to rely on your teeth in a pinch.

Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

Many people grind or clench their teeth in their sleep—without even knowing it. This habit, called bruxism, can wear down your enamel, cause chronic jaw pain or headaches, and eventually lead to cracked or broken teeth.

What to do instead: A custom nightguard, made by your dentist, can cushion your teeth and protect them from damage while you sleep.

Frequent Sipping on Sugary or Acidic Drinks

If you sip on soda, juice, or energy drinks throughout the day, your teeth are under constant attack. These drinks bathe your teeth in sugar and acid, which can erode enamel and feed cavity-causing bacteria—especially if you’re not brushing right after.

What to do instead: Limit sugary or acidic drinks to mealtimes, drink them in one sitting rather than over several hours, and rinse your mouth with water afterward to help neutralize acids.

Skipping Regular Dental Visits

Even if your teeth feel fine, small issues like enamel wear, early cavities, or tiny fractures can be silently developing. Waiting too long between dental visits allows these problems to grow, leading to more extensive (and costly) treatment down the road.

What to do instead: Preventive care is key. Schedule regular dental checkups every six months so we can catch potential issues early—and help you keep your smile strong for life.

Protect Your Smile with Smart Choices

Your everyday habits matter more than you think when it comes to your dental health. Being mindful of what you do with your teeth—day and night—can make a lasting difference.

Ready to protect your smile from preventable damage?

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