5 Oral Habits You Should End

We all have little habits. Some help us. Some hurt us. And then there are some oral habits quietly wrecking our teeth. You might think your oral care routine is solid. But what about those things you do without even thinking? There could be things you’ve been doing for years that are hurting your mouth! This post covers 5 oral habits you can end to improve your health.

Brushing Too Hard

Let’s start with something that seems like a good habit. That’s brushing your teeth! Everyone tells you to brush twice a day. If brushing is good, brushing harder must be better. Right? Well, brushing too hard wears down your enamel. That’s the protective layer over your teeth. Once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back. You’re also pushing your gums back, which can expose the roots and make your teeth sensitive. If you’ve ever felt a sharp zap of pain when drinking something cold, overbrushing could be part of the problem. Don’t forget to go easy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently in small circles instead of scrubbing back and forth like you’re cleaning a dirty pan. And take your time. You should brush for two full minutes, twice a day. Brushing harder isn’t better. Brushing smarter is.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

Have you ever not been able to find the scissors, so you use your teeth to tear open a package? Or have you popped off a bottle cap with your molars? It seems harmless at the moment, but your teeth are not tools. They’re not scissors. And treating them like they are can land you in the dentist’s chair fast. When you use your teeth this way, you put a ton of pressure on them in the wrong direction. This can chip them, crack them, or even break them completely. A chipped tooth might just need a filling. A cracked one might need a crown. A broken one could mean a root canal or an implant. So, you should keep actual tools around. If you catch yourself doing it, pause. Your teeth have one job, and that’s chewing! Let them stick to that.

Grinding and Clenching

If you wake up with a sore jaw or a headache, or your teeth seem worn down over time, you might be grinding your teeth at night. This condition is called bruxism, and it’s more common than you think. Grinding usually happens during sleep. You’re not even aware of it. But over time, the damage adds up. It can flatten your teeth, cause cracks, and make your jaw feel sore or stiff. Some people also grind during the day when they’re stressed or focused. The fix isn’t always simple, but there are things that help. First, figure out if stress is a trigger. If so, stress relief techniques like exercise, deep breathing, or therapy can help. You can also talk to your dentist about a night guard. It’s a custom-fitted device that protects your teeth while you sleep. It might feel weird at first, but your jaw will thank you.

Chewing Ice

There’s something weirdly satisfying about chewing ice. It’s crunchy, it’s cold, and it just feels refreshing. But your teeth hate it. Ice is hard. Your teeth are strong, but not unbreakable. Biting down on something that cold and hard at the same time puts your enamel at risk. It can cause tiny cracks that eventually grow. You might not notice right away, but one day you could be looking at a chipped tooth and an expensive repair. It can also damage fillings, crowns, or other dental work. Not ideal, especially since dental work isn’t cheap. So what do you do instead? If you like the cold sensation, switch to crushed ice, it’s softer! Or better yet, just sip your drinks cold and skip the crunch. If it’s a habit, try chewing sugar-free gum instead. It gives you the satisfaction of chewing without destroying your teeth.

Biting Your Nails

Biting your nails might seem harmless. It’s something a lot of people do when they’re nervous, bored, or stressed. But it’s rough on your teeth. Nail biting can cause your teeth to shift out of place, especially the front ones. It can chip enamel. It can even mess with your jaw, especially if you tend to clench your jaw while doing it. Over time, this can lead to issues like TMJ. Nails also carry a lot of bacteria. When you bite them, you’re basically delivering germs straight to your mouth. Keep your nails trimmed and clean. Try bitter-tasting nail polish if you’re really struggling. Or keep your hands busy with something else, like a stress ball, a fidget cube, or even a pen to click. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s awareness. Break the habit, and your teeth will be better off.

Conclusion

Good oral health isn’t just about brushing and flossing. It’s also about what you don’t do. These five oral habits: brushing too hard, using teeth as tools, grinding, chewing ice, and biting nails, can do serious damage over time. But you can start changing them today. Most of these fixes are simple. They just take a little awareness and consistency.

Millen Family Dental is here to guide you in breaking these damaging oral habits and in forming good ones. Schedule an appointment with us today!