Your daily routine plays a significant role in your oral health, and some habits you might not think twice about could be causing long-term damage to your teeth. At Park Street Dental Practice, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain a strong, healthy smile, so we’ve compiled this guide to highlight five everyday habits that may be harming your teeth — along with simple alternatives to protect your oral health.

1. Chewing on Ice – A Recipe for Cracked Teeth

Chewing on ice may seem harmless—it’s just frozen water, after all. However, biting down on ice cubes can lead to:

1. Enamel erosion
2. Cracks or fractures in teeth
3. Increased tooth sensitivity

Since ice is extremely hard, repeated exposure to these forces can weaken the structure of your teeth, making them more prone to chipping or cracking. This is particularly risky if you already have fillings, crowns, or veneers, as they are more vulnerable to damage.

The healthier alternative:

• If you enjoy the crunch, try eating chilled fruits and vegetables like cucumber or apple slices instead.
• Sip on cold drinks without chewing ice to protect your enamel.
• If you find yourself craving ice frequently, it could be a sign of an underlying deficiency (such as iron deficiency anaemia), so speak to a healthcare professional.

2. Nail-Biting – Bad for Your Teeth and Your Jaw

Nail-biting is a common habit that often starts in childhood and continues into adulthood. However, it can have serious consequences for your dental health, including:

1. Chipped or broken teeth
2. Increased risk of gum infections from bacteria under the nails
3. Strain on the jaw, leading to issues like TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction

Nail-biting also increases the risk of spreading germs from your hands to your mouth, potentially leading to oral infections.

The healthier alternative:

• If nail-biting is stress-related, try stress-management techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Keep your nails trimmed short to reduce the temptation.
• Consider using a bitter-tasting nail polish designed to discourage biting.
• If nail-biting is causing dental issues, book a dental check-up at Park Street Dental Practice to assess any damage.

3. Sipping on Sugary or Acidic Drinks Throughout the Day

Drinking fizzy drinks, fruit juices, or coffee with added sugar throughout the day exposes your teeth to constant acid attacks. This leads to:

1. Tooth decay from prolonged sugar exposure
2. Enamel erosion, making teeth more sensitive
3. Increased risk of staining from dark-coloured beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine

Every time you sip on a sugary or acidic drink, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack your enamel for up to 20 minutes after each sip. If you’re sipping frequently, your teeth never get a break from these damaging effects.

The healthier alternative:

• Drink water or milk instead—both are great for strengthening your teeth.
• Use a straw when drinking acidic or sugary drinks to minimise direct contact with your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee, tea, or wine to reduce staining.
• Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks—wait at least 30 minutes to prevent enamel erosion.

For more advice on maintaining a diet that supports strong teeth, check out our blog post on How Diet Affects Your Dental Health.

4. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Opening packets, biting off clothing tags, or even holding things with your teeth may seem convenient, but it puts unnecessary strain on them. Using your teeth as tools can cause:

1. Cracks, chips, or fractures
2. Increased risk of dislodging fillings or crowns
3. Long-term enamel wear

Your teeth are designed for chewing food—not for cutting, tearing, or holding objects.

The healthier alternative:

• Always use scissors or the appropriate tool instead of your teeth.
• If you have a habit of biting on pens or pencils, swap them for a stress ball or another object that doesn’t pose a risk to your teeth.

If you’ve chipped or damaged a tooth due to using it as a tool, book an appointment with our team at Park Street Dental Practice so we can assess the damage and recommend the best treatment.

5. Skipping Brushing Before Bed

After a long day, it’s tempting to skip brushing and go straight to sleep, but this can have serious consequences for your oral health. Brushing before bed removes plaque, bacteria, and food particles that build up throughout the day. If you skip this essential step, you increase your risk of:

1. Cavities, as bacteria feast on leftover food particles overnight
2. Gum disease, due to plaque accumulation
3. Bad breath in the morning

The healthier alternative:

• Set a reminder on your phone if you tend to forget.
• Keep a spare toothbrush in your bedside drawer for convenience.
• If you’re too tired to brush thoroughly, at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove food particles.

For more brushing tips, read our guide on The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups to learn why maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is crucial.

Protect Your Smile with Park Street Dental Practice

Bad dental habits may seem harmless in the short term, but over time, they can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and costly dental treatments. The good news is that small changes in your daily routine can make a significant difference in protecting your teeth.

At Park Street Dental Practice, we’re here to help you maintain excellent oral health with regular check-ups, expert advice, and professional treatments. If you’re concerned about any of the habits mentioned above or need personalised dental care, get in touch with us today.