7 Hidden Dental Habits That May Be Damaging Your Teeth

For most people, dental care runs on autopilot: brush, floss, rinse — repeat.

But oral health isn’t just about what happens in front of the mirror. Everyday habits you might not think twice about, from snacking patterns to hydration, can quietly affect the strength and appearance of your teeth.

Routine checkups also play an important role in catching issues early and keeping your smile healthy. For AAA members in Rhode Island, affordable preventive care is available through Delta Dental of Rhode Island.

Brushing Too Hard

While you may think the harder you brush the cleaner your mouth will be, brushing too vigorously can actually damage teeth. Aggressive brushing can erode tooth enamel and cause gum recession and sensitivity. Oral health professionals also recommend using soft-bristled brushes.

Snacking

Eating high-sugar snacks frequently between meals, especially without brushing, can lead to cavities. Sugary foods and refined carbs feed bacteria in your mouth, creating an acidic environment that can lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Try snacking less or at least snacking healthier. Reach for tooth-friendly options like cheese, nuts and crunchy vegetables instead.

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Not Drinking Enough Water

If you routinely reach for an energy or sports drink after exercising, think again. These drinks can be very sugary or acidic and weaken enamel. Water is always your best bet — not only for hydration, but also for your oral health. Staying hydrated supports saliva production, which helps neutralize acids, wash away food particles and bacteria and protect against tooth decay. Drinking water can also help prevent dry mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Teeth Grinding

Waking up with a headache or sore jaw could be a sign that you are grinding your teeth at night, and some people grind their teeth during the day as well. Often caused by stress, grinding can wear down teeth and cause head and jaw pain. Mouthguards worn at night can help prevent tooth damage.

Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Your mom was right — using your teeth as tools to rip or open something is a bad idea. While it may be fun to show off that you can open a bottle with your teeth, such stunts weaken teeth, leading to small cracks that become big cracks, and then possibly breaks. And repairing a cracked or broken tooth is painful and expensive.

Lying Down With Acid Reflux

Heartburn triggered by acid reflux is painful enough, but the flow of acid upward from your stomach when you are lying down can also damage teeth. Often dentists diagnose acid reflux sooner than other health professionals, based on the condition of a patient’s teeth. If you have acid reflux, seek treatment.

Skipping Nighttime Brushing

It’s late, you’re tired, and after eating a large pasta dinner topped off with coffee and a cannoli, you decide to crash as soon as you get home. Unfortunately, missing your nightly brushing is one of the worst things for your teeth. Saliva production drops when you sleep, so it is easier for bacteria to stay on your teeth, which can lead to plaque buildup. The two minutes you spend brushing before hitting the pillow is worth it.

Besides consistently following your oral health regimen and avoiding bad habits, the best way to maintain a healthy smile is with routine dental visits. AAA members in Rhode Island can take advantage of exclusive rates on dental and vision insurance through Delta Dental of Rhode Island.

Ellen R. Delisio

Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.