7 Habits Ruining Your Teeth

You may brush your teeth every morning and night, visit your dentist regularly, and still be doing things every day that slowly damage your teeth.

The good news? Many of these habits are easy to change.

As we get older, taking care of our teeth becomes especially important. Tooth enamel—the hard outer covering of your teeth—does not grow back once it is worn away. That means protecting the enamel you have is much easier than trying to repair damage later.

Here are seven common habits worth rethinking.

1. Skipping Between-Teeth Cleaning

Even a good toothbrush cannot completely clean between your teeth. Food and plaque can collect in these spaces, increasing the risk of cavities and gum problems.

If traditional dental floss is difficult to handle, don't give up.

Try an interdental brush or a water flosser instead. These options can be easier to use, particularly if your hands are less nimble than they used to be.

Simple change: Find the between-teeth cleaning method that feels easiest for you—and use it regularly.

2. Brushing Too Hard

You might think that scrubbing your teeth harder means getting them cleaner.

Unfortunately, that's not necessarily true.

Brushing too aggressively can wear down enamel and contribute to gum recession.

Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle movements. If you use an electric toothbrush, let the brush do the work rather than pressing hard.

Remember: Clean doesn't have to mean rough.

3. Sipping Drinks for Hours

That morning coffee, glass of juice, soda, sweet tea, or other acidic drink can become a problem when you sip it continuously throughout the day.

Frequent exposure to sugary or acidic drinks gives your teeth repeated exposure to substances that can contribute to enamel erosion.

Try enjoying these beverages with a meal instead of slowly sipping them for hours. Drinking or rinsing with water afterward can also help clear your mouth.

Simple change: Give your teeth a break between drinks.

4. Snacking All Day Long

A small snack here and another one there may not seem like a big deal.

But every time you eat, especially foods containing sugar or carbohydrates, bacteria in your mouth can produce acids that affect your teeth.

Instead of constantly grazing, try giving your mouth some time between meals and snacks.

And if you do snack, drinking some water afterward is a simple habit to add.

Simple change: Fewer eating occasions can mean fewer acid attacks on your teeth.

5. Using Your Teeth as Tools

We've all been tempted to use our teeth to open a package, tear a piece of plastic, or loosen something that's difficult to open.

But your teeth aren't bottle openers or scissors.

Using them as tools can crack, chip, or fracture a tooth—and repairing a badly damaged tooth can be expensive and uncomfortable.

Simple change: Keep scissors and a bottle opener handy and leave the tough jobs to your tools.

6. Chewing Ice or Biting Your Nails

Crunching on ice may feel satisfying, but ice is hard enough to damage a tooth.

Nail biting can also put unnecessary stress on your front teeth and may cause chips or wear over time.

If you find yourself wanting to chew something, consider sugar-free gum instead.

Simple change: Skip the ice cubes and let your teeth do what they're designed to do—chew food.

7. Trying DIY Dental Treatments

The internet is full of homemade dental tricks.

You may see recommendations for filing your teeth, using household ingredients to whiten them, or trying inexpensive dental treatments from unlicensed providers.

Be careful.

Your teeth aren't something you want to experiment on. DIY treatments can damage enamel, irritate your gums, increase sensitivity, or change the way your teeth fit together.

Before trying a viral dental treatment, talk with your dentist.

Simple change: When it comes to your teeth, professional advice is usually worth more than an internet hack.

Your Teeth Deserve Gentle Care

Protecting your smile doesn't have to be complicated.

Brush gently. Clean between your teeth. Drink water. Give your mouth breaks between meals and snacks. Don't use your teeth as tools, and be cautious about online dental advice.

Most importantly, keep up with regular dental visits and ask your dentist about anything that concerns you.

A few small changes today could help you protect your natural teeth—and your smile—for many years to come.

Your teeth have served you well. Treat them gently.