Habits That are Harmful to Your Teeth

Is My Bad Habit Harming My Teeth?

Let’s be honest: we all have a bad habit we’re guilty of. While most habits are harmless, there are a few that can actually cause some major damage to your mouth and teeth. If you want to avoid injury and infection, here are a few bad habits to nip in the bud.

Nail Biting

Whether you bite your nails out of boredom or when you're nervous, doing so puts you at serious risk for injury and infection. Not only can your nails cut your gums, but putting your fingers in your mouth, especially if you haven't washed them, can transfer germs and bacteria into your body, which is even riskier now with the presence of COVID-19.

Chewing on Pen Caps

Similar to biting your nails, chewing on pen caps or a pencil is often done out of boredom, stress, or in an effort to concentrate. However, this habit can irritate your gums and nearby soft tissue and even cause your teeth to crack or chip.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

There probably isn’t a person around who hasn’t used their teeth to open a package or break a string — but don’t make a habit of this! Using your teeth as tools can risk damage to your teeth, cause irritation or cuts to your gum, and even result in you swallowing something you shouldn’t.

Brushing Too Hard

You might think that the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be, but that’s not the case. Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel, irritate your gums, and even cause gum recession. If you notice your toothbrush bristles are wearing down quickly, you may be brushing too aggressively.

Snacking Too Much

We all like to enjoy a sweet treat now and again but be careful not to overdo it. The more you snack on sweet sugary treats, the more sugar and starch attach to your teeth — and if you don’t brush as often as you should, this can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and more serious health problems.

Drinking Sugary Drinks

If you tend to reach for a soda during your lunch break or for a sports beverage after a game, you’re not doing your mouth any favors. These beverages are full of sugar that can lead to cavities and tooth decay — grab water instead!

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

When you’re a patient at ProHEALTH Dental, you will always receive the highest standard of care. We deliver high-quality results utilizing state-of-the-art equipment in a modern and tranquil atmosphere.