Most people know they should brush and floss daily, but protecting your smile goes far beyond a good oral hygiene routine. Dentists see firsthand how everyday habits and seemingly harmless items can cause serious damage to teeth and gums. In fact, there are quite a few things dental professionals actively avoid putting in their mouths to reduce the risk of fractures, infections, and dental emergencies.
If you want to keep your smile strong and healthy, it may be time to rethink some common behaviors.
Ice and Hard Foods
Chewing ice is one of the most common habits dentists warn against. While ice may seem harmless, it’s hard enough to crack enamel or damage dental restorations like fillings and crowns. The same goes for hard candies, popcorn kernels, and unpopped corn. Teeth are strong, but they aren’t designed to withstand repeated pressure from rock-hard foods.
Fingernails and Cuticles
Biting your nails or chewing on cuticles doesn’t just affect your hands. This habit places excess stress on your teeth and jaw while introducing bacteria into your mouth. Over time, nail biting can contribute to chipped teeth, enamel wear, and jaw discomfort.
Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open packages, tear tags, or twist bottle caps might feel convenient, but dentists avoid this at all costs. Teeth aren’t tools, and using them as such can lead to cracks, fractures, or even a knocked-out tooth. Once damaged, teeth often require restorative treatment to regain their strength and function.
Sticky and Chewy Sweets
Dentists are especially cautious around sticky candies like caramels, gummies, and taffy. These treats cling to teeth, making them harder to clean away and more likely to contribute to cavities. Sticky foods can also pull at fillings or crowns, increasing the risk of damage.
Sugary and Acidic Drinks
Sipping on sugary or acidic beverages throughout the day exposes teeth to constant acid attacks. Soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and even fruit juices can weaken enamel over time. Dentists know that frequent exposure, especially without rinsing or brushing afterward, can significantly increase the risk of decay and sensitivity.
Tobacco Products
Smoking and smokeless tobacco products are a hard no for dentists. Tobacco increases the risk of gum disease, tooth discoloration, bad breath, and oral cancer. It also interferes with the body’s ability to heal, which can complicate dental treatments and recovery.
Foreign Objects
Pens, pencils, bobby pins, and other non-food items often end up in people’s mouths out of habit. Dentists avoid this entirely, knowing that these objects can chip teeth, damage enamel, or introduce harmful bacteria.
Being mindful of what you put in your mouth can go a long way toward preventing unnecessary dental damage and unexpected emergencies.
Small habit changes today can help protect your smile for years to come.
About the Practice
Transforming Smiles of Lawrenceville is a comprehensive dental practice offering preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental care for patients of all ages. Dr. Zafrani is dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy, confident smiles through personalized treatment plans and patient-focused care. Come visit us to discover lifelong dental health habits!
Call us at (770) 995-7616 or request an appointment online.