Most of us realize that proper dental hygiene is important. We brush our teeth in the morning and at night. Flossing and using mouthwash are also common routines for good oral care. Yet, there are other everyday habits that can harm our teeth.

From biting our nails to munching on ice, these subconscious routines can cause severe damage. To help keep your teeth healthy, we’ll identify the ten daily routines that could be damaging your teeth.

1. Biting Your Nails

Biting your nails is a terrible habit that many people find challenging to break. It can break your teeth’s enamel, and the bacteria from your fingers can transfer to your mouth. This bacteria can cause tooth decay and lead to gum infections.

So, the next time you catch yourself biting your nails, think of your teeth and keep those fingers out of your mouth.

2. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Brushing too hard can damage your teeth’ enamel and cause sensitivity. Brushing must be gentle to avoid irritation to your gums and root exposure.

Using a soft-bristled brush and circular motion is recommended for proper cleaning without damaging your teeth.

3. Using Your Teeth for Non-Food Purposes

Teeth should only be used to chew food, not for odd jobs like opening bottles or containers. Using your teeth as tools can chip or break them, which is costly to repair.

So, remember to keep a bottle opener or scissors on hand instead of relying on your teeth.

4. Snacking Frequently

Frequent snacking throughout the day means your teeth are continuously exposed to potential damage. Eating sweet or acidic snacks can erode your teeth’ enamel and cause cavities.

So, limit the number of times you snack throughout the day, and always brush after eating to remove any food particles left behind.

5. Drinking Soda and Sugary Drinks

Beverages high in sugar and acid content like soda can damage your teeth. Sugary drinks attack your teeth, and if left unclean, they can lead to tooth decay. Opt for water or sugar-free beverages instead.

6. Chewing Ice

Chewing on ice can weaken and fracture your teeth, leading to costly dental bills. Ice is not an appropriate snack for your teeth, and chewing ice should be avoided at all costs.

If consuming a cold drink, use a straw instead of ice to keep your teeth safe.

7. Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night, can cause damage. This habit can cause TMJ issues and fracture your teeth’ enamel, leading to expensive dental visits.

Consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth if you frequently clench or grind your teeth.

8. Ignoring Early Signs of Dental Issue

If you are experiencing early signs of a dental issue, it’s imperative to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

Ignoring the problem can cause a minor issue to escalate to a severe problem, leading to costly dental procedures in the future.

9. Skipping Dental Appointments

Skipping dental appointments is a big mistake. Regular dental checkups help detect early issues and avoid serious complications. The dentist can perform an oral examination to identify any potential issues that need to be corrected before they escalate.

10. Smoking and Using Tobacco Products

Smoking and using tobacco products can lead to oral cancer and severe gum disease. The nicotine in these products can cause yellow teeth and bad breath.

Quitting smoking and tobacco products can lead to improved oral health and lower the risk of complications.