Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but certain everyday habits can cause serious damage. Some lifestyle choices, drinks, and foods can be bad for teeth. They may be weakening your enamel, increasing your chance of developing cavities, and otherwise putting your smile at risk without you realizing it.
Below, we talk about 10 common bad habits for teeth and what you can do to protect your oral health.
1) Using a Medium or Hard-Bristled Toothbrush
Brushing too hard or using a firm toothbrush can damage tooth enamel and irritate your gums. Over time, this can cause gum recession and sensitivity.
Solution: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle pressure. An electric toothbrush is also an excellent choice, as long as you don’t brush aggressively.
2) Drinking Coffee, Eating Citrus Fruits & Consuming Other Acidic Foods
Coffee, sour candy, fruit juice, and citrus fruits may be part of your routine, but they can harm your teeth. Juices with added sugar and sweets feed cavity-causing bacteria. While citric acid and teeth are a bad combination, too, since acid can cause enamel erosion. Coffee is also highly acidic and causes tooth staining.
Solution: Brush after consuming coffee, sugar, or citrus with a fluoride toothpaste. Keep a travel toothbrush handy for work or on the go.
3) Skipping Flossing
Mouthwash may freshen your breath, but it doesn’t remove sticky plaque between teeth. Without flossing, bacteria buildup can cause gum disease and cavities.
Solution: Floss once a day using the “C-shape” method around each tooth.
4) Sipping Flavored Water
Flavored waters may seem healthy, but sipping all day can bathe your teeth in sugar. This can lead to the same types of effects sweets have on teeth, mainly increasing your risk of tooth decay. Additionally, carbonated drinks like sparkling water can lead to enamel damage over time.
Solution: Drink flavored water in one sitting and follow with plain water. You can also look for sugar-free drinks and flavoring packets.
5) Using the Wrong Mouthwash
Some rinses don’t contain fluoride, and others contain alcohol that dries out your mouth, allowing bacteria to thrive. These products might give you fresh-smelling breath for a while, but they can harm your dental health over time.
Solution: Pick a mouthwash containing fluoride and avoid high-alcohol formulas.
6) Grinding and Clenching Your Teeth/Jaw
Tooth grinding (bruxism) or clenching your jaw wears down tooth enamel and can cause cracks or chips. Stress often makes it worse, leading to tension in the jaw and potentially TMJ.
Solution: If you or your dentist notice signs of grinding, a custom mouthguard can help protect your teeth.
7) Using Tobacco Products
Smoking or chewing tobacco stains enamel, causes gum disease, and increases your risk of oral cancer and tooth loss.
Solution: Quit tobacco to protect your oral and overall health. Your dentist can help with resources.
8) Lip and Tongue Piercings
Metal jewelry constantly rubbing against your teeth can cause erosion, chips, cracks, and gum irritation.
Solution: Be mindful of jewelry placement and see your dentist if you notice any irritation or damage. Additionally, schedule regular teeth cleanings and exams, which gives your dentist a chance to spot issues before they become bigger problems.
9) Sucking Hard Candy or Cough Drops
Hard candy and even medicated cough drops may seem harmless, but they can be high in sugar and very damaging to your teeth. Since they dissolve slowly, your teeth are exposed to sugar for long periods, feeding cavity-causing bacteria. Biting down on them can also crack or chip enamel.
Solution: If you need a cough drop, choose a sugar-free version. Avoid sucking on hard candies altogether and opt for healthier alternatives like xylitol gum, which can help fight bacteria instead of feeding it.
10) Chewing Ice, Biting Nails, or Using Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to chew on ice, pens, toothpicks, bite your nails, or open packages can cause chips and cracks.
Solution: Keep your teeth safe by avoiding these habits. Sugar-free gum is a great substitute for chewing on ice and toothpicks.
Protect Your Teeth From Everyday Damage
From bad food for teeth to the risks that come with tobacco and piercings, many factors can have long-term effects on your oral health. The good news is that small lifestyle changes make a big difference. Brush gently, floss daily, limit acidic and sugary foods, and schedule regular dental check-ups to catch problems early.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
At Brian Homann, DDS, we help patients in Elk Grove Village protect their teeth from things that are bad for them, while maintaining strong, healthy, and beautiful smiles. Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the next step toward better oral health! Our team has been helping patients maintain beautiful, healthy smiles for years.
