At Mikula DDS in Bay Village, we believe your smile is one of your most valuable assets. Protecting it goes beyond regular brushing and flossing—it’s about identifying and avoiding everyday habits that can silently harm your teeth. Even seemingly harmless behaviors can lead to serious dental issues over time. In this guide, we’ll uncover common habits that damage your teeth and share expert tips to protect your oral health.
1. Using Teeth to Open Packages or Bottles
Your teeth may seem strong, but using them as tools can lead to cracks, chips, and fractures. These injuries often require dental repairs, such as crowns or veneers, which could have been avoided.
What You Can Do: Always use the proper tools like scissors or a bottle opener. It might take a little extra time, but your teeth will thank you!
2. Biting Nails: A Double Threat
Biting your nails is harmful in two ways—it wears down your enamel and introduces harmful bacteria into your mouth. Over time, nail-biting can increase your risk of cavities and infections while also impacting your jaw alignment.
How to Break the Habit: Keep your nails trimmed and consider stress-relief tools like a stress ball or fidget device to curb the urge.
3. Skipping a Mouthguard During Sports
From high-impact sports to casual activities like biking, your teeth are at risk of injury. A custom mouthguard from Mikula DDS can protect your teeth from fractures, chips, or even being knocked out entirely.
Pro Tip: Choose a professionally fitted mouthguard for optimal comfort and protection, whether you’re on the court or in the field.
4. Sipping Sugary Drinks: A Recipe for Decay
Sodas, energy drinks, and even fruit juices are often loaded with sugar and acid. Prolonged exposure can erode enamel, leading to cavities and discoloration.
Better Choices: Drink water or unsweetened beverages, and use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. If you indulge in a sugary drink, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
5. Brushing Too Hard Damages Enamel
It’s easy to think that brushing harder means cleaner teeth, but excessive pressure can wear down enamel and irritate your gums. This can lead to sensitivity, gum recession, and other long-term issues.
The Right Technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in circular motions for two minutes, twice a day.
6. Grinding and Clenching: Silent Tooth Destroyers
Grinding your teeth (bruxism) can cause cracks, excessive wear, and even jaw pain. Many people grind their teeth unknowingly, especially at night or during stressful situations.
Protect Your Smile: Visit Mikula DDS to explore custom night guards that cushion your teeth and prevent damage while you sleep.
7. Frequent Snacking Fuels Plaque Buildup
Snacking throughout the day exposes your teeth to sugars and starches, feeding harmful bacteria and increasing plaque buildup. Without breaks, your saliva doesn’t have enough time to neutralize acids, leading to cavities.
Healthy Habits: Limit snacking and opt for tooth-friendly options like cheese, crunchy vegetables, or nuts.
8. Skipping Flossing: The Hidden Culprit
Skipping flossing leaves food particles and plaque in hard-to-reach areas between your teeth. This buildup can cause decay, gum disease, and even bad breath.
Daily Routine: Floss at least once a day, and ask our team at Mikula DDS for tips on proper technique if needed.
9. Overusing Whitening Products Weakens Enamel
While whitening products can enhance your smile, excessive use can thin your enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity or damage.
Safe Whitening: Talk to Mikula DDS about professional whitening treatments that brighten your smile without compromising enamel health.
10. Chewing on Ice Can Crack Teeth
Chewing on ice may feel refreshing, but it puts tremendous stress on your teeth. The hardness of ice can lead to cracks, chips, or even fractures in your enamel. Over time, this damage can make your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay.
Better Choice: Opt for chilled drinks or use ice cubes to cool your beverage without chewing on them. If you crave crunch, snack on carrots or celery instead.
11. Forgetting to Rinse After Meals
After eating, food particles often linger in your mouth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. If not rinsed away, these particles can contribute to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Quick Fix: Swish with water or a fluoride rinse after meals to remove leftover debris and neutralize harmful acids.
12. Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush
It might seem like a harder toothbrush cleans better, but it’s the opposite. Hard bristles can wear down enamel and irritate your gums, leading to sensitivity and gum recession.
What to Use: Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and focus on proper technique instead of pressure.
13. Skipping Water After Acidic Foods
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings can weaken your enamel temporarily. Brushing right after eating these foods may cause more harm than good.
Pro Tip: Rinse with water to neutralize acids before brushing your teeth 30 minutes later.
14. Holding Items in Your Mouth
Many people use their teeth to hold pens, hairpins, or other objects when their hands are full. This habit puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth, increasing the risk of cracking or chipping.
Simple Solution: Use a cup or pocket to store small items instead of your mouth.
15. Ignoring Chronic Dry Mouth
Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a serious dental concern. Without enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria, your teeth are more vulnerable to decay.
How to Prevent It: Stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, and talk to Mikula DDS if the issue persists.
16. Eating Sticky or Hard Candies
Sticky candies like caramels and taffy cling to teeth, while hard candies like lollipops can crack them. Both types leave sugar in prolonged contact with your enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
Smarter Snacks: Choose dark chocolate or sugar-free alternatives, which are easier on your teeth.
17. Frequent Coffee Drinking
Sipping coffee throughout the day not only stains your teeth but also exposes them to acids that can weaken enamel over time. Additionally, the sugars and cream often added to coffee feed harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and decay.
Healthy Habits: Rinse with water after drinking coffee, limit sugary add-ins, and brush your teeth 30 minutes later to protect your enamel.
18. Frequent Drinking of Acidic Beverages
Beverages like wine, energy drinks, and carbonated water can erode your enamel with regular exposure. Over time, this makes your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and decay.
Drink Wisely: Limit acidic drinks and follow them with water to neutralize the acid.
19. Overlooking the Importance of Hydration
Dehydration impacts more than your body—it also affects your teeth. Without enough water, your saliva production decreases, and bacteria can thrive, leading to bad breath and a higher risk of cavities.
Stay Hydrated: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your mouth healthy and fresh.
20. Neglecting to Replace Your Toothbrush
Using an old toothbrush with frayed bristles is less effective at cleaning your teeth and gums. Over time, this can lead to plaque buildup and gum issues.
Refresh Regularly: Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3-4 months, or sooner if bristles are frayed.
How Mikula DDS Helps Protect Your Smile
At Mikula DDS, we focus on preventative care to ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful. Our team is dedicated to educating patients about harmful habits and providing personalized solutions. We take a holistic approach to dental care, helping you avoid common pitfalls and achieve optimal oral health. Schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns and learn how we can help you maintain a radiant, healthy smile. Your smile deserves the best care, and at Mikula DDS, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s protect your teeth together!