Blog Post

Kick These Bad Habits For Your Teeth

ruan • Jul 18, 2019

woman biting the end of a pencil at work

Many people have bad habits regarding their teeth, whether they realize it or not! These behaviors may not seem like a big deal, but they can cause life-long damage to your teeth and make oral hygiene more difficult. To keep your teeth functioning well and avoid racking up costly dental bills, start using healthier oral practices!

Here are some common bad habits we see from patients:

Poor nutritional choices. If you eat a lot of sugary snacks or frequently enjoy soda with your meals, these can drastically wear down the enamel of your teeth.
Brushing too hard . Brushing your teeth is important, but handle with care! You should be brushing in small, short strokes with a soft-bristled brush.
Nail biting. Frequently chewing the hard surface of your fingernails can contribute to loss of enamel, making you more prone to developing cavities.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Many people do this while they sleep, so they may not even be aware that this is a problem! Excessive grinding and clenching can leave your mouth feeling sore, and even flatten your teeth over time. Wearing a night guard can help you overcome this habit.
Chewing ice cubes. Sucking on a piece of ice is fine, but chewing hard chunks can crack and chip your teeth easily.
Biting pens and pencils. Nibbling on hard objects is never a good idea for your teeth, especially pencils and pens. This will cause your enamel to wear down and potentially lead to chipped teeth.
Smoking. In addition to weakening your lungs, tobacco is notorious for causing cavities and tooth decay.
Thumb sucking . A common problem for younger patients, sucking your thumb can leave gaps in your teeth.
Using teeth as a tool. You should never use your teeth to open packages or bottles, since it can cause your teeth to crack or break off.