When we think about keeping our teeth healthy, we usually focus on brushing, flossing, and avoiding candy. But the truth is, some of the most common habits in our daily routine can sneakily harm our smiles without us even realizing it. Don’t worry, we’re not here to judge! At Mint Dental in Anchorage, Alaska, we’re all about helping you protect that beautiful smile with practical, real-life advice. With this in mind, it’s time to discuss ten everyday habits that secretly damage teeth. Let’s dive in…
1. Chewing Ice
It might feel refreshing, but in truth, crunching on ice is like giving your teeth a mini workout they didn’t sign up for. Even though tooth enamel is by far the hardest material in the body it’s still pretty brittle. So, while you can’t scratch your tooth enamel on metal cutlery, it can be prone to chipping when you continually bite down on something hard, like ice. And, while you might not see the damage right away, it can lead to chips, sensitivity, or even a broken tooth, over time.
2. Sipping Lemon Water (All Day Long)
We get it, lemon water is a refreshing drink that helps you maintain hydration while providing essential vitamin C. Some online sources claim that drinking it can detox the body, improve digestion and even assist with weight loss. But lemons are highly acidic, and frequent exposure can wear down enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay. If you love your citrusy hydration, try drinking it through a straw and rinsing with plain water afterwards to help protect your enamel.
3. Grinding Teeth
Whether it happens during sleep or while you’re deep in concentration, teeth grinding (or bruxism) is a big problem with some sources suggesting that it affects up to 8% of the world’s population. Not only does constant grinding wear down your enamel. It can also lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even cracked teeth. If you suspect you’re a grinder, talk to us. A custom nightguard might be your smile’s new best friend.
4. Brushing Too Hard
Enthusiastic brushing is good, right? Not always. The truth is, if you’re scrubbing like your life depends on it, you could be causing irreparable damage to tooth enamel and irritating your gums. Instead, it’s best to take a softer, gentler approach to optimal hygiene, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle, circular motions. Not only is it better for your teeth and gums, but it’s also more effective in reaching between teeth and into those hard-to-access areas where food particles lurk. Instead, consider brushing teeth as a massage, not a scrub, and you’ll be on the right track.
5. Using Your Teeth as Tools
When it comes to habits that damage teeth, it’s important to remember that your pearly whites aren’t Swiss Army knives. So, if you continually use them for anything other than biting and chewing like opening packages, biting off tags, opening bottle tops or holding things when your hands are full, you’re essentially asking for trouble. Using them as tools can cause chips, cracks, or even shift your alignment. So, keep actual tools handy and let your teeth stick to doing what they do best!
6. Snacking All Day
It’s true! Frequent or constant snacking can negatively impact teeth. When we regularly consume sugary or starchy snacks our teeth are constantly exposed to acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Essentially, this gives your enamel very little time to recover, thus increasing the risk of enamel erosion, cavities and tooth decay. If you do like to partake in the odd snack, go for teeth-friendly options like cheese, nuts, or crunchy veggies. The latter, in particular, helps stimulate saliva production which, in turn, neutralizes acids, dilutes sugars and even helps to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel.
7. Drinking Soda (Even Diet!)
Soda is a double whammy: it’s both acidic and sugary (even the diet versions can be acidic enough to harm enamel). Frequent sipping effectively keeps your teeth in an acid bath. So, if you do indulge, try drinking it through a straw, and don’t forget to rinse with water afterwards.
8. Biting Your Nails
Nail biting (Onychophagia) is one of the most common habits that damage teeth, affecting around 30% of the population. Besides the habit being tough on your manicure, nail biting can damage teeth through chipping and cracking and can even place excess stress on your jaw. Moreover, habitual nail biting can even shift your teeth out of alignment over time. Plus, your fingers pick up all kinds of germs—do you really want those near your mouth? There are key things you can do to stop nail biting and protect teeth like identifying triggers that cause the problem or simply painting your nails with a bitter non-toxic substance but these will be individual to the person. This post from the American Academy of Dermatology gives you a better idea.
9. Skipping Flossing
We know, there’s a big debate about whether daily flossing actually helps to protect teeth in the long term but hear us out. What we do know is that flossing helps to remove plaque and food bits from between teeth that your brush can’t reach. Skipping it allows bacteria to build up, which can lead to gum disease and cavities. So, even flossing a few times a week is essentially better than nothing!
10. Ignoring Dry Mouth
Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system. It helps neutralize acids, wash away food, and keep bacteria in check. If your mouth is frequently dry (from medications, mouth breathing, or dehydration), your risk for cavities and gum issues goes up. Stay hydrated and talk to your dentist if it’s a recurring issue.
So, What Now?
No one has perfect practices all the time, and that’s okay. The key is being aware of the habits that damage teeth and making small changes that keep your smile strong and healthy. If any of these habits sound familiar, don’t worry, you’re not alone, and you’re not doomed. At Mint Dental in Anchorage, we’re here to help you build better habits and catch problems before they become serious.
Got questions? Want to check in on your dental health? Schedule a visit with our friendly team today. We’ll make sure your smile is in great shape and help you kick those sneaky tooth-damaging habits for good.
Give us a call at (907) 891 8175 to schedule an appointment or book online, we look forward to seeing you.
