12 Common Habits That Are Secretly Wrecking Your Teeth

We often focus on the big two for dental health: brushing and flossing. While these are crucial, many of us have small, seemingly harmless daily habits that can cause significant damage to our teeth over time. You might not even realize you’re doing them until you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair facing a diagnosis you never expected.

Consider the story of Lisa, who always prided herself on excellent dental check-ups. She was shocked when her dentist found a cavity during a routine visit. After some thought, Lisa pinpointed the culprit: a new habit of sipping on energy drinks throughout her workday. This slow, continuous exposure to sugar and acid created the perfect environment for tooth decay. Her experience is a powerful reminder that our everyday actions have a profound impact on our oral health.

Are you unknowingly compromising your smile? We consulted with dental professionals to compile a definitive list of common habits that can ruin your teeth and provide actionable advice on how to protect your pearly whites. Breaking these habits is a critical step towards a lifetime of healthy smiles.

1. Constantly Sipping on Sugary or Acidic Drinks

Whether it’s a morning latte sweetened with syrup, a can of soda in the afternoon, or an energy drink to power through a slump, sipping on these beverages all day is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth. Each sip bathes your teeth in sugar and acid. The bacteria in your mouth feed on this sugar, producing acid that attacks your tooth enamel for at least 20 minutes. When you sip continuously, you’re subjecting your teeth to a relentless acid attack that can lead to widespread decay.

The Fix: If you can’t give up these drinks entirely, consume them within a short period (15-20 minutes) rather than over several hours. After you’re finished, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid and wash away the sugar. It’s also a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, as your enamel is softened immediately after acid exposure and can be damaged by brushing too soon.

2. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

It seems logical that brushing more vigorously would result in cleaner teeth. However, using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying too much pressure can be counterproductive and damaging. This aggressive approach can wear down your tooth enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. It can also lead to gum recession, exposing the sensitive root surfaces of your teeth and increasing your risk for cavities and sensitivity.

The Fix: Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and focus on technique, not force. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, circular motions. An electric toothbrush can be an excellent investment, as many have built-in pressure sensors that alert you when you’re brushing too hard.

3. Frequent Use of Sugary Cough Drops

When you have a sore throat or a cough, reaching for a lozenge seems like a smart move. However, many popular brands are loaded with sugar. Sucking on these for extended periods is like holding a piece of hard candy against your teeth, providing a constant fuel source for cavity-causing bacteria. This problem is even worse if you’re using cough drops to combat dry mouth, as a lack of saliva means there’s less natural defense to wash away the sugar and acid.

The Fix: Always check the label and opt for sugar-free cough drops and lozenges whenever possible.

4. Chewing on Ice, Popcorn Kernels, or Hard Candy

The satisfying crunch of chewing on ice or the remnants of a hard candy can be a deeply ingrained habit, but it’s incredibly risky for your teeth. Your teeth are strong, but they are not designed to crush extremely hard substances. This habit can easily lead to microscopic fractures that can grow over time, or even cause a tooth to chip or break outright, requiring an emergency dental visit.

The Fix: If you crave the crunch, try snacking on something healthier and safer, like a crisp apple, celery, or carrot sticks. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help satisfy the oral fixation without endangering your teeth.

5. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth (Bruxism)

Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding and clenching, is a common habit that many people do unconsciously, especially during sleep. The constant pressure and friction can wear down the chewing surfaces of your teeth, leading to a misaligned bite, tooth fractures, muscle pain in the jaw, and chronic headaches. Over time, it can cause severe damage that requires extensive restorative work.

The Fix: Since this often happens at night, it can be a tough habit to break on your own. If you wake up with a sore jaw or your dentist notices signs of wear, they may recommend a custom-fitted night guard. This appliance creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of the grinding.

6. Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Your teeth are designed for one primary purpose: chewing food. Using them to open plastic packaging, rip off a clothing tag, open a bottle cap, or hold bobby pins is a recipe for disaster. This puts unnatural and excessive force on your teeth, which can easily lead to a chip, crack, or fracture. A moment of convenience is not worth a costly and painful dental emergency.

The Fix: Make a conscious effort to stop and find the right tool for the job. Keep a pair of scissors, a bottle opener, or a small multi-tool handy so you’re not tempted to use your teeth as a substitute.

7. Forgetting Sunscreen on Your Lips

We’re generally good about applying sunscreen to our face and body, but the lips are often forgotten. Your lips are susceptible to sun damage just like the rest of your skin, and this exposure can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Protecting them is a simple but vital part of any oral health and sun safety routine.

The Fix: Make a habit of applying a lip balm that contains an SPF of 30 or higher every time you go outside, and reapply it regularly, just as you would with regular sunscreen.

8. Using Chewing Tobacco

This is one of the most dangerous habits for both your oral and overall health. Holding chewing tobacco in your mouth places carcinogens directly against your gums, tongue, and cheeks. It is a leading cause of oral cancer and can also lead to severe gum disease, tooth decay (due to high sugar content in many products), and permanent tooth discoloration.

The Fix: The only safe solution is to quit. If you use chewing tobacco, speak with your doctor or dentist about cessation programs and resources that can help you stop for good.

9. Tongue or Lip Piercings

While a form of self-expression, oral piercings pose significant risks to your teeth and gums. It’s very common to accidentally bite down on a metal stud, which can chip or crack a tooth. The jewelry can also rub against the gums, causing them to recede and expose the tooth root. Furthermore, the mouth is filled with bacteria, and a piercing creates an open wound that is highly susceptible to serious, and in rare cases, life-threatening infections.

The Fix: The safest choice is to avoid oral piercings. If you already have one, practice meticulous hygiene, be gentle with the jewelry, and check it regularly to ensure it is secure to prevent accidental biting.

10. Snipping Thread or Fishing Line with Your Teeth

This is another example of using teeth as a tool. A quick snip of a thread with your front teeth might seem harmless, but the abrasive material can create small notches or wear on the edges of your teeth over time. There’s also a risk of the line slipping and causing a painful cut on your gums.

The Fix: Keep a small pair of scissors in your sewing kit or tackle box. It’s a simple change that protects the integrity of your tooth enamel.

11. Nail Biting

Chronic nail biting not only damages your fingernails but also poses a threat to your dental health. The constant pressure can chip your front teeth and cause stress to your jaw joint. It also facilitates the transfer of germs from under your nails directly into your mouth, increasing your risk of illness.

The Fix: Breaking this nervous habit can be difficult. Try using a bitter-tasting nail polish, keeping your nails trimmed short, or finding an alternative stress-reliever like a fidget toy or stress ball.

12. Extended Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use in Children

For parents, it’s important to be aware of this habit. While normal in infants, allowing a child to continue sucking their thumb or using a pacifier after their permanent teeth begin to emerge can cause significant orthodontic problems. The constant pressure can cause the front teeth to flare out and affect the development of the palate, leading to bite issues that will likely require braces to correct in the future.

The Fix: Gently work to wean your child off these habits, ideally by age 3 or 4. Consult with your pediatric dentist for strategies and support.

Your Smile Is Worth Protecting

Awareness is the first and most crucial step in protecting your teeth from the damage of these bad habits. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can prevent cavities, protect your enamel, and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. If you recognize yourself in any of these habits, don’t be discouraged. Instead, take it as an opportunity to make a positive change for your oral health. And remember, regular visits to your dentist are essential for catching and addressing any potential issues before they become serious problems.

Reviewed by: Charbel Klaib, DMD
Reviewed by: Cindy Roark, DMD