You brush. You floss (mostly). And you show up for your dental cleanings. You’re doing the right things. But sometimes, without even realizing it, the little habits you do every day can quietly chip away at your dental health. We’re not talking about major neglect here. We’re talking about the small stuff; the habits that are hurting your teeth you don’t even think about until a dentist points them out.
At Levesque Dentistry, we’ve been caring for Nashua smiles for over 80 years. We’ve seen it all. And we’ve noticed that a handful of common habits come up again and again. The good news? They’re all fixable. Here are five everyday habits that might be hurting your teeth, plus simple ways to turn them around.
1. Chewing Ice (Or Anything Else That Isn’t Food)
You finish your drink, and there’s still ice in the glass. So you crunch on a few cubes. It feels harmless. It’s just frozen water, right?
But ice is hard. Really hard. Chewing it can crack fillings, chip enamel, and even fracture a tooth. The same goes for popcorn kernels, hard candy, and pens. We’ve seen plenty of patients come in with a broken tooth that started with a seemingly innocent crunch.
The fix: Let the ice melt. If you need something to chew on, reach for sugar-free gum instead. And please, don’t open packages with your teeth. That’s what scissors are for.
2. Sipping Sugary or Acidic Drinks All Day
Maybe you’re a coffee sipper. Or a soda person. Or you love sparkling water or sports drinks. On their own, none of these are automatically terrible. The problem is the sipping.
Every time you take a sip, your mouth gets a fresh dose of sugar or acid. If you sip all day, your teeth are constantly under attack. Saliva can’t keep up, and enamel starts to break down.
The fix: Drink your coffee or soda in one sitting instead of sipping it for hours. Follow it with a glass of water to rinse things out. Use a straw for acidic drinks to limit contact with your teeth.
3. Brushing Too Hard
You’d think brushing harder means cleaner teeth. But your gums and enamel don’t work that way.
Brushing too hard, or using a hard-bristled brush, can wear down enamel over time and cause your gums to recede. Once gums pull back, they don’t grow back on their own. And exposed tooth roots are more sensitive and more vulnerable to decay.
The fix: Use a soft-bristled brush. Hold it like you’re holding a pencil, not a scrub brush. Let the bristles do the work. Two minutes of gentle, circular motions is all you need.
4. Grinding Your Teeth at Night
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a dull headache? You might be grinding your teeth while you sleep. It’s incredibly common, and many people don’t even realize it. Over time, grinding can wear teeth down to nubs, crack them, and cause jaw pain.
The fix: Talk to us at your next visit. We can check for signs of grinding and fit you with a custom nightguard. It’s a small investment that protects your teeth while you sleep.
5. Skipping the Floss
We know. You’ve heard it a hundred times. But brushing only cleans about 60 percent of your tooth surfaces. The other 40 percent is between your teeth, where your brush can’t reach. Skipping floss means that bacteria stay put, leading to cavities and gum disease.
The fix: Floss once a day, every day. If traditional floss is hard to use, try floss picks or a water flosser. The best floss is the one you’ll actually use.
Stop the Habits That Are Hurting Your Teeth Today
None of these fixes require a major lifestyle overhaul. Just a little awareness and a few small tweaks. Your teeth will thank you.
If you have questions about any of these habits or want personalized advice, call us or request an appointment online. We’re here to help you keep your smile healthy for the long haul.