Risky Dental Habits to Ditch: A Guide for Our Patients

It's never too late to make a healthy change, and that doesn't just mean diet and exercise. Breaking a few common oral habits can do a lot for your overall wellness and keep your smile intact. For patients at our Middleburg, VA practice and around Loudoun County, here are some habits worth reconsidering.

Chewing on Ice

Chomping on leftover ice after finishing a cold drink feels harmless, but it can do real damage. Chipped or cracked teeth are a common result, and it only takes one bad bite to break a molar, which usually means real pain and an emergency dental visit. If you're prone to this habit, chilling your drink ahead of time or sipping through a straw can help you skip the temptation altogether.

Biting Nails

Nail biting is usually a nervous or unconscious habit, and it comes with more downsides than people realize. Beyond introducing germs into your mouth, it can chip teeth, and the repeated pressure on the same teeth over time can cause them to shift. Holding your jaw in that position repeatedly can also contribute to a TMJ disorder. Bitter-tasting nail polish (available at most drugstores) can help break the habit, and some people find that investing in regular manicures gives them enough motivation to leave their nails alone.

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing twice a day matters, but so does technique. Brushing too hard wears down enamel and leaves teeth more vulnerable to decay, damage, and sensitivity, and it can also cause gum recession, which can lead to discomfort and, over time, bone loss and even tooth loss. A soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, massaging motion rather than scrubbing removes plaque just as effectively without the wear and tear.

Using Teeth as Tools

Teeth are built for chewing, speaking, and smiling, not opening bottles, tearing into packages, or holding things. It might feel quicker in the moment, but the risk of a cracked tooth or jaw injury isn't worth it. Keep the actual tool for the job within reach instead.

Snacking Throughout the Day

Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, keeps your teeth under near-constant attack. Leftover food particles feed the bacteria in your mouth, which produce the acid that wears away enamel. Sticking to balanced, lower-sugar meals helps you feel full longer, and if you do indulge in something sweet, following it with a glass of water helps rinse away the leftover particles.

Clenching and Grinding Teeth

Grinding or clenching can chip, crack, and wear down teeth faster than normal, and it can also strain the jaw joints enough to contribute to a TMJ disorder. Nighttime grinding is especially easy to miss, but a sore jaw or tension headaches in the morning are common clues. If you suspect you're grinding, it's worth mentioning at your next appointment, a custom nightguard can prevent damage from nighttime grinding, and simply noticing and stopping yourself during the day can help break a daytime clenching habit.

You only get one set of permanent teeth, so it's worth protecting them. Cutting out these habits helps keep your smile in good shape and can save you from expensive dental work down the road. Your regular checkups are also a good opportunity to catch any early damage from these habits before it becomes a bigger problem.

Worried a habit may already be affecting your teeth? Schedule a visit with Middleburg Smiles today.