Bad Habits That Can Hurt Your Teeth, According to Experts
We all know that taking care of our teeth means brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. But many people don’t realize that some everyday habits can actually harm their teeth and overall health. Parade recently shared expert advice on what not to do when it comes to dental care, and some of the tips may surprise you!
Why Biting Your Nails Is Bad for Your Teeth
Biting your nails might seem harmless, but dentists warn that it can do serious damage. According to Dr. Jamie Laviola, DMD, biting nails puts uneven pressure on teeth, which can lead to chipping, cracking, or even breaking them over time. Parade reports that Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani, DDS, explains how fingernails contain keratin, a strong protein that can wear down tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive and prone to decay.
But it’s not just about your teeth—this habit can also introduce bacteria into your mouth. Dr. Fatima Khan, DMD, told Parade that nails carry a lot of unseen germs, which can spread through your bloodstream and affect your overall health. Worse still, biting your nails can cause small cuts on your gums, making infections more likely.
How to Stop Biting Your Nails
Many people bite their nails because of stress, boredom, or habit. Parade shared a few tricks to help break the cycle:
- Paint your nails – The taste of nail polish isn’t pleasant, and you’ll probably think twice before biting them.
- Keep nails trimmed – If they’re too short, there’s nothing to bite.
- Try behavioral therapy – The Cleveland Clinic suggests techniques like relaxation exercises or social support to reduce stress-related nail-biting.
Other Bad Habits That Can Harm Your Teeth
Parade also highlighted several other habits that can cause serious dental issues.
1. Chewing Ice Cubes
You might think chewing ice is harmless, but Dr. Laviola compares it to hitting a rock with a hammer—it may not break right away, but over time, cracks will appear. This habit can lead to chipped or broken teeth.
2. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Ever used your teeth to open a package or bottle? Dr. Yazdani warns that this can crack your teeth and even expose nerves, which may require a painful root canal. Parade emphasizes that teeth are meant for chewing food—not tearing or twisting objects.
3. Vaping
According to Dr. Khan, vaping dries out your mouth, which can cause bad breath, cavities, and gum infections. Parade explains that nicotine and other chemicals in vapes also stain your teeth, making them look yellow in just a few weeks.
4. Mouth Breathing
Sometimes allergies force us to breathe through our mouths, but if it becomes a habit, it can cause dry mouth. Parade reports that Dr. Nicole Mackie, DDS, warns that lack of saliva increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
5. Brushing Too Hard
Brushing is important, but doing it too aggressively can wear down your enamel and damage your gums. Dr. Laviola compares it to scrubbing a delicate fabric with a rough brush—it’s going to wear out quickly.
6. Eating Too Many Acidic Foods
Lemons and oranges might be healthy, but Dr. Khan advises waiting at least an hour before brushing your teeth after eating them. Parade explains that acidic foods weaken enamel, so brushing too soon can actually speed up enamel loss.
7. Skipping Flossing
Brushing alone isn’t enough. Parade reminds us that flossing prevents gum disease and bad breath by removing food stuck between teeth. Dr. Yazdani warns that skipping flossing can lead to gingivitis and, over time, serious gum infections.
8. Grinding and Clenching Your Teeth
Stress and anxiety can cause people to grind their teeth—sometimes without even realizing it. Dr. Khan told Parade that grinding can wear down enamel, cause pain, and even lead to headaches. If you catch yourself grinding, consider using a mouthguard at night or practicing stress-relief techniques like meditation.
Final Thoughts
Parade’s expert-backed advice makes one thing clear: keeping your teeth healthy isn’t just about brushing and flossing—it’s also about avoiding harmful habits. Small changes, like avoiding nail-biting or chewing ice, can protect your teeth and improve your overall oral health.
Bottom line? Treat your teeth well, and they’ll thank you with a healthy, bright smile!
Credit : Parade
https://parade.com/health/common-habit-to-stop-for-healthy-teeth-and-gums-according-to-dentists