5 Bad Habits That Might Be Damaging Your Teeth and Braces

Invisalign and braces are both essential for dental care. While many focus on maintaining a healthy diet and regular brushing, there are often unnoticed habits that can harm your teeth. Discover five harmful dental habits you might not be aware of, and learn how to protect your beautiful, healthy smile for life.

bad habits teeth grinding

Teeth Grinding

Also Known As Bruxism

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a prevalent habit in both children and adults. It often occurs because stress, contemplation, or unknowingly during sleep. You might be unconsciously grinding your teeth without awareness. Learn more about this issue and the types of braces, including ceramic braces and lingual braces, traditional metal braces that can help address it.

Grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth can lead to enamel breakdown, as well as chipping or cracking of the teeth. It can also cause unpleasant headaches, jaw pain , and tooth sensitivity. 

If you grind your teeth, especially during sleep, consult a dentist. They can provide a night-use mouthguard and stress management tips to prevent teeth damage.

Book Your Consultation for Teeth Grinding Solutions
bad habits for teeth drug use

Side Effects Of

Drug Use

Recreational drug use can harm your oral health. Substances like cocaine and methamphetamines can cause plaque buildup and enamel erosion. Oral drug consumption can lead to "dry mouth," increasing bacteria and tooth decay risk.

e your oral health, avoid illegal drugs, and consider orthodontic treatment, including tooth-colored braces, to address dental concerns and tooth movement.

Spaces caused by small teeth and deep overbite

Side Effects Of

Smoking

Smoking harms teeth and oral health, causing enamel discoloration, bad breath, and increased risks of gum disease and oral cancer. Tobacco promotes plaque buildup and can inflame salivary glands, leading to tooth decay. Quit smoking to protect your oral health and ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth. Learn how braces works and apply pressure to effectively move teeth as part of your dental care.

Book Dental Consultation for Smokers' Oral Health
Spaces caused by small teeth

Biting Your

Nails

Nail-biting, though seemingly harmless, can harm your teeth by causing chips, cracks, and enamel damage. It can also displace teeth, especially in children. Additionally, putting hands in your mouth introduces harmful bacteria, leading to tooth decay and gum infections.

To stop nail-biting, consider distractions like silly putty or dice. You can also use non-toxic, bitter-tasting clear nail polish to discourage biting. If problems persist, consult your dentist for further solutions, such as stainless steel wires or plastic aligners to help with moving your teeth back into place.

Spaces gaps between teeth 1

Myth Of

Crunching Ice

Chewing on ice is definitely bad for your teeth, and that's a fact! Even though it's made of water, frozen ice is extremely hard and is a bad surface to break against your teeth. The tips of your teeth are the most sensitive, so it's important to be gentle with them. When you bite into a hard piece of ice, you're putting extreme pressure on the tips of your teeth, which can lead to chipping or cracking.

Additionally, if you have ligating braces with metal brackets that hold the wires in place, chewing on ice can be even riskier. The force applied to your teeth can affect the braces and their effectiveness. Therefore, it's essential to avoid this habit, as it can lead to orthodontic complications.

In conclusion, no matter how tempting it may be, refrain from chewing ice to protect your dental health, especially if you have ligating braces. Remember, it's better to enjoy your ice-cold drinks without putting your teeth at risk for the sake of a few moments of crunching. Your teeth will thank you for it, and you can maintain that beautiful smile for the next 22 hours of your day!

Book Consultation for Ice-Chewing Dental Concerns
bad habits for teeth happy couple

Avoid Bad Habits,

Protect Your Great Teeth!

In sum, certain bad habits can lead to bad tooth problems, which is why maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Avoid these habits, and help yourself protect your teeth for life! Remember to eat well, avoid sugar, and brush and floss regularly as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists in the United States.

See a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to catch any issues early on. If your teeth are misaligned, consider seeking orthodontic care to straighten them and keep your smile performing at its best. Orthodontic treatment can not only enhance your smile's appearance but also improve your overall oral health. So, prioritize your oral hygiene and dental care to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

Book Online
Call Us