Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond just regular brushing and flossing. One may follow several habits without realizing the potential harm they can cause to one’s teeth. From seemingly harmless activities to daily routines, these habits can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Here are some common but often overlooked habits that harm oral health. One must avoid them to extend the longevity of their pearly whites.

Poor oral hygiene
Neglecting proper oral hygiene practices, such as inconsistent brushing and skipping flossing, can pave the way for plaque buildup. This buildup contributes to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, which can lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated.

Using teeth as a tool
Using one’s teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or crack nuts might seem convenient, but it’s a recipe for disaster. This habit can cause chips or cracks in one’s teeth or lead to gum bleeding. So it’s advisable to use one’s teeth only for chewing food and not as substitutes for scissors or bottle openers.

Nail biting
Nail biting affects one’s nails and takes a toll on one’s teeth. This habit exerts pressure on one’s teeth and jaw, potentially causing misalignment and damaging tooth enamel. It’s a habit worth breaking for one’s dental health and manicure.

Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles
While it may seem like a harder bristle toothbrush can clean one’s teeth more efficiently, it can cause more harm. Stiff bristles can lead to gum recession, enamel erosion, and tooth sensitivity. A soft or medium-bristle toothbrush is usually enough for gentle yet thorough cleaning.

Chewing ice
Chewing on ice cubes may feel satisfying, but it wreaks havoc on one’s teeth. The force exerted while chewing can lead to chips, cracks, or fractures, leaving one with a dental emergency instead of a refreshing treat.

Clenching or grinding teeth
This is another damaging habit usually performed unconsciously that can cause jaw pain and make one’s teeth more sensitive, damage the enable, and make it more susceptible to decay.

Consuming too much sugar or acidic drinks
Sugar and acidic drinks boost the bacterial activity in one’s mouth, causing tooth decay or cavities more rapidly. So avoiding sugar sweets, soda, coke, and other carbonated drinks is best to protect one’s enamel. If one consumes these food items occasionally, it’s best to brush them immediately afterward.