Harmless Habits That Aren’t So Harmless
Some of the things we do every day without thinking (or tips passed down by parents, grandparents, or friends) can quietly damage our teeth over time. Maybe you bite your nails when you’re nervous, crunch ice at the end of your drink, or even use your teeth to open a package. These habits might seem harmless, but dentists see the consequences every day.
The truth is, teeth are strong but not indestructible. Once enamel is worn away or a tooth cracks, it cannot heal on its own. The good news is that with awareness and small changes, you can protect your teeth from these sneaky sources of damage.
1. Nail Biting
Many people bite their nails when stressed, anxious, or simply out of habit. What they don’t realize is that nail biting chips enamel, strains the jaw, and introduces bacteria from under the nails into the mouth. Over time, it can even cause teeth to shift out of alignment. Research confirms that chronic nail biting is linked to enamel damage, gum injury, and bacterial transfer into the mouth.
How to stop: Keep nails trimmed short, or use a bitter-tasting nail polish designed to deter biting. Find a replacement habit, such as squeezing a stress ball.
If damage is done, Small chips may be smoothed by a dentist. Larger cracks may require bonding or crowns. If nail biting has caused teeth to shift, retainers may help reposition them.
2. Chewing on Ice
It feels satisfying to crunch leftover ice cubes, but enamel is not built to handle that kind of force. Ice can cause micro-cracks that weaken teeth, which may later chip or fracture when chewing something less intense.
How to stop: Replace the habit with chewing sugar-free gum for freshness and stress relief. If you like something cold, try chilled water instead of ice.
If damage is done, Cracks or chips may require dental bonding. For severe fractures, crowns may be necessary.
3. Using Teeth as Tools
Tearing open snack bags, holding bobby pins, or opening bottles with your teeth might save time in the moment, but it can lead to chips, fractures, or even knocked-out teeth. Dentists report that using teeth as tools is one of the most common causes of preventable dental injuries.
How to stop: Keep scissors, bottle openers, and proper tools nearby to resist the temptation.
If damage is done, Minor chips may be smoothed or bonded. Severe breaks may need crowns, veneers, or even implants.
4. Clenching Teeth During Exercise
It is common to clench teeth while lifting weights or doing high-intensity workouts. Over time, this places stress on the jaw and wears down enamel. Some athletes even develop cracked teeth or TMJ pain from constant clenching.
How to stop: Be mindful of jaw tension during workouts. For heavy lifting, consider using a guard designed for exercise.
If damage is done, Remi Custom Night Guard can protect enamel and cushion pressure, whether grinding happens during sleep or clenching happens at the gym.
5. Constant Snacking
Snacking all day (even on healthy foods) means your teeth are constantly exposed to acids from bacteria breaking down carbohydrates. Without breaks, enamel does not get a chance to recover, increasing the risk of cavities.
How to stop: Stick to three meals and one or two snacks, and drink water afterward to wash away particles. Choose snacks like cheese, nuts, or crunchy fruits and vegetables that are less damaging.
If damage is done, A dentist may suggest fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel or fillings if cavities have already formed.
How to Break the Cycle and Protect Your Teeth
These habits can be tough to shake because they often feel automatic. Here are a few strategies:
- Awareness: Notice when and why you do them. Stress and boredom are common triggers.
- Substitution: Replace harmful actions with safer alternatives, like gum instead of ice or stress balls instead of nail biting.
- Protection: If you clench or grind, wearing a guard can prevent long-term enamel loss.
- Routine care: Brush twice daily, floss once a day, and schedule dental checkups every six months to catch early signs of damage.
Sometimes the most damaging dental habits are the ones we don’t even think about. Nail biting, chewing ice, using teeth as tools, clenching during exercise, and constant snacking can all weaken enamel or break teeth over time. The good news is, with awareness, the right products, and help from your dentist, you can stop these habits and repair the damage.
Remi’s Custom Night Guards and cleaning products make it easier to protect your teeth every day, so your smile stays strong for years to come.
