We all know the basics of dental care: brush twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist for check-ups. But beyond these essentials, certain everyday habits can unknowingly harm our teeth. Many patients are surprised to learn that some seemingly harmless actions can negatively impact oral health.

In this blog, we’ll explore common bad habits for teeth, why they’re harmful, and tips to protect your smile.

Nail biting is one of the most common bad habits for teeth, often starting in childhood and continuing into adulthood. While it might seem harmless, the pressure exerted on teeth while biting nails can cause chips, cracks, and misalignments over time.

Why it’s harmful: Nail biting puts undue stress on your teeth and can wear down enamel, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and decay. Additionally, it can cause jaw tension and even lead to jaw pain over time.

How to stop:
Try keeping your nails trimmed short to reduce the temptation. Some people find it helpful to use a bitter-tasting nail polish designed to deter nail-biting. Stress-relieving techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing can also help address the root cause of this habit.

On a hot day, chewing ice can feel refreshing, but it’s a major culprit for dental damage. Many people chew ice without realising how harsh it is on their teeth.

Why it’s harmful: Ice is hard and can cause micro-fractures in your teeth. Over time, these tiny fractures can lead to larger cracks, making teeth more susceptible to cavities, sensitivity, and even breakage.

How to stop:
Instead of chewing ice, switch to cold water or opt for chilled drinks without ice. If you crave the crunch, try chewing on raw vegetables like carrots instead, which are both satisfying and healthy for your teeth and gums.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is often done unconsciously, especially during sleep. Many people clench their jaws during times of stress, which can also cause wear and tear on their teeth.

Why it’s harmful: Grinding and clenching wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity, tooth fractures, and even gum recession. Over time, it can also cause pain in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint), leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

How to stop:
If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Stress management techniques can also be beneficial, as stress is a common cause of bruxism. For daytime clenching, practice relaxing your jaw and keeping your lips closed but teeth apart.

It’s tempting to use your teeth to tear open a package, hold items when your hands are full, or even remove a bottle cap. While it might save a few seconds, this habit can cause serious damage.

Why it’s harmful: Using teeth as tools can lead to chips, cracks, or even broken teeth. It also places undue strain on your jaw and can weaken the integrity of your teeth over time.

How to stop:
To avoid this bad habit, try to keep scissors or other tools handy for opening packages. Place these items within easy reach at home or work so you’re less tempted to use your teeth.

Many people enjoy snacking throughout the day, especially on sugary treats and drinks. While an occasional snack isn’t harmful, frequent snacking and sipping on sugary drinks can be detrimental to dental health.

Why it’s harmful: Each time you snack, especially on sugary foods or drinks, the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack your tooth enamel. Constant snacking doesn’t give saliva enough time to neutralise these acids, leading to a higher risk of cavities and decay.

How to stop:
Limit snacking to set times and opt for tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts, and raw vegetables. Drink water instead of sugary drinks to stay hydrated and rinse away food particles.

Smoking and chewing tobacco are not only harmful to overall health but are among the worst bad habits for teeth. Tobacco products stain teeth, increase the risk of gum disease, and contribute to bad breath.

Why it’s harmful: Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the gums, leading to gum disease and increasing the risk of tooth loss. It’s also a major risk factor for oral cancers.

How to stop:
Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and your overall health. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional. Many find success using nicotine replacement therapies or counselling.

Brushing your teeth with excessive force may seem like a way to ensure a clean mouth, but it can actually damage your teeth and gums.

Why it’s harmful: Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and cause gum recession, making your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and decay. It can also irritate your gums, leading to soreness and increased bleeding.

How to stop:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and focus on gentle, circular motions rather than back-and-forth scrubbing. Consider using an electric toothbrush, as many models have pressure sensors that alert you when you’re pressing too hard.

Finally, one of the most common bad habits for teeth is neglecting regular dental check-ups. Many people only visit the dentist when they’re experiencing pain or discomfort.

Why it’s harmful: Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to detect potential issues early, before they become painful or costly to treat. Skipping check-ups can lead to undetected cavities, gum disease, and other problems that require more intensive treatment down the line.

How to stop:
Schedule appointments well in advance and set reminders to make dental check-ups a priority. Many practices offer convenient appointment reminders through texts or emails, which can help keep you on track.

Avoiding these common bad habits for teeth can make a huge difference in your oral health. By making small changes, you can protect your teeth, gums, and overall smile. If you have questions about your dental habits or would like personalised advice, book an appointment with your dentist to discuss what’s best for your unique needs. Your smile will thank you!