5 Everyday Habits That Damage Your Teeth 

We’ve all been told the basics of dental care—brush twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist regularly. But even with those fundamentals covered, many people unknowingly engage in everyday habits that can weaken, wear down, or even break their teeth over time.

At Opal Dentistry, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. We see dozens of patients every month with issues like enamel erosion, cracked fillings, gum recession, or sudden tooth sensitivity, and often, the root cause is found in their daily routines.

In this blog, we’ll explore five common habits that can harm your oral health—and more importantly, we’ll show you what you can do to reverse the damage or prevent it altogether.

🧊 1. Chewing on Ice or Hard Objects

You just finished a cold drink and absentmindedly begin chewing the leftover ice cubes. Seems harmless, right?

Wrong.

Ice is hard enough to crack enamel or chip a filling. It creates microfractures in your teeth that might not be visible at first—but over time, these fractures can worsen, leading to tooth sensitivity, breakage, or even infection.

👩‍⚕️ What Opal Recommends:

  • Switch to sugar-free chewing gum if you feel the urge to chew.

  • Hydrate using cold water, not ice-heavy drinks.

  • Schedule regular dental checkups to detect early signs of enamel fractures.

🛠️ 2. Using Your Teeth as Tools

We’ve all done it—torn open snack bags with our teeth, bitten off clothing tags, or even cracked open bottle caps (ouch!). Your teeth might seem tough, but they’re not made for multitasking.

Misusing them like tools can result in:

  • Cracks in enamel

  • Dislodged crowns or veneers

  • Premature wear of front teeth

👩‍⚕️ What Opal Recommends:

Keep small tools like scissors or bottle openers easily accessible. If you’ve had cosmetic work like bonding or veneers, you’re at greater risk—let us help assess your current restorations for any hidden damage.

🪥 3. Overbrushing or Brushing Too Hard

Brushing twice a day is essential—but brushing too hard or with the wrong brush can lead to:

  • Gum recession

  • Worn enamel

  • Increased tooth sensitivity

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), aggressive brushing is a top cause of non-cavity-related tooth pain.

👩‍⚕️ What Opal Recommends:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (we can help you pick the right one!).

  • Replace your brush every 3 months.

  • Apply gentle circular motions, not back-and-forth scrubbing.

  • We offer one-on-one brushing technique coaching at Opal for anyone unsure.

🍫 4. Constant Snacking (Even on Healthy Foods)

It’s not just candy and soda that harm your teeth. Frequent snacking—especially on carbohydrates and acidic foods—feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acid that wears away at enamel.

Even “healthy” options like dried fruits, sports drinks, granola bars, or fruit juices are often culprits.

Frequent snacking = longer acid exposure = higher risk of cavities and enamel loss.

👩‍⚕️ What Opal Recommends:

  • Limit snacks to two times a day if possible.

  • Rinse your mouth with water or chew xylitol gum after snacks.

  • If you must snack frequently, opt for tooth-friendly foods like celery, or plain nuts.

  • Ask us about fluoride treatments or sealants for extra protection during your hygiene visit.

😬 5. Unconscious Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Do you ever wake up with a tight jaw, dull headache, or sore teeth? You might be suffering from bruxism—nighttime teeth grinding, a condition that affects nearly 15–30% of adults, often without their awareness.

Long-term bruxism can lead to:

  • Worn-down teeth

  • Cracked fillings

  • Jaw pain and TMJ disorders

👩‍⚕️ What Opal Recommends:

We offer custom-fit night guards that protect your teeth from grinding damage. These are far more comfortable and effective than generic over-the-counter guards. We also assess your bite alignment and jaw tension to identify potential triggers.

🦷 Final Thought: Small Changes, Big Impact

Oral health isn’t just about what you do inside the bathroom—it’s about how you live your life each day. These seemingly harmless habits could cost you in the long run, both in discomfort and in expensive dental treatments.

At Opal Dentistry, we’re committed to educating and empowering our patients. During your next visit, feel free to ask our team to assess your brushing technique, evaluate your enamel wear, or fit you for a night guard.