5 Bad Habits That Damage Your Teeth — And What to Do Instead
Certain everyday habits can quietly damage your teeth over time, even when you’re not aware of it. Enamel — the hardest substance in the human body — can still crack, wear down, and erode when exposed to the wrong stresses. If you’re in Calgary or the surrounding area and want to protect your smile long-term, being aware of these five habits is an important first step.
Why Your Everyday Habits Matter More Than You Think
Your teeth play a critical role in digestion, speech, and appearance. While enamel is remarkably durable, it does not regenerate once lost. The damage caused by the habits below is often cumulative — meaning it builds gradually before becoming a serious problem. Fortunately, most of these issues are preventable with the right awareness and professional support.
1. Chewing Ice
Reaching for the ice at the bottom of your drink might feel refreshing, but chewing ice is one of the most common ways people fracture their teeth. The extreme hardness of ice, combined with its near-freezing temperature, puts tremendous stress on your enamel’s crystalline structure.
- Teeth with large existing fillings are especially vulnerable to cracking
- Repeated ice chewing can cause large portions of a tooth to break away gradually
- In severe cases, a tooth may split completely and cannot be saved
What to do instead: Let ice melt naturally in your mouth, or switch to chilled water without ice. If you’ve already noticed chips or sensitivity, book an assessment promptly — some fractures may require a dental crown to restore the tooth before the damage worsens.
2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Stress has a way of finding an outlet, and for many people, that outlet is grinding or clenching their teeth — often during sleep without realising it. Bruxism is one of the most destructive habits for long-term dental health.
- Chips and cracks in fillings and porcelain restorations
- Progressive thinning of enamel, leaving teeth looking worn and flat
- Increased pressure on gums and jaw joints, which can lead to TMJ discomfort
- Tooth sensitivity caused by exposed dentin
Teeth worn down by grinding often have a flat, sandpaper-like biting surface. Restoring lost enamel typically involves extensive dental treatment. If you wake up with jaw soreness or headaches, speak to your dentist about a custom night guard. Severe cases may also benefit from TMJ treatment to relieve joint and muscle tension.
3. Playing Sports Without a Mouthguard
A single elbow to the mouth during a basketball game or a fall during cycling can result in broken, loosened, or knocked-out teeth in a split second. Many sports carry a significant risk of dental injury, yet most Canadians do not wear a mouthguard during recreational or competitive play.
- Contact sports like hockey, rugby, football, and martial arts carry obvious risks
- Non-contact sports like basketball, mountain biking, and skateboarding are also high-risk
- A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers far superior protection compared to over-the-counter options
What to do instead: Ask your dentist about a custom-fitted sports mouthguard. If you’ve experienced a dental injury, don’t wait — visit our emergency dental care page or call us immediately. Time is critical when it comes to saving a damaged or knocked-out tooth.
4. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Opening packaging, tearing tags off clothing, cracking nuts, or holding objects in your mouth between your teeth — these are habits many people barely notice they have. Using your teeth as tools is a leading cause of unexpected chips and fractures.
- Biting on hard objects like pens or fingernails creates micro-cracks in enamel over time
- Tearing plastic packaging or bottle caps can apply sudden, extreme lateral force
- Even habitual nail biting slowly erodes the edges of front teeth
What to do instead: Keep scissors and appropriate tools nearby and make a conscious effort to break these habits. Minor chips can often be repaired with composite white fillings before they develop into larger fractures.
5. Ignoring Routine Dental Visits
Perhaps the most damaging habit of all is avoiding your dentist until something hurts. Most serious dental problems — including decay, gum disease, and oral cancer — develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. By the time discomfort appears, treatment is often more involved and more costly.
- Regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect and treat small issues before they escalate
- Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that a toothbrush cannot reach
- Early gum disease can be managed conservatively; advanced gum disease may require periodontal care
- Preventive visits are typically far less costly than restorative treatment
What to do instead: Book a check-up and professional clean every six months, or as recommended by your dentist. Many Calgary NW patients are surprised by how much can be detected — and prevented — at a routine appointment.
How to Protect Your Smile Starting Today
Breaking these habits and committing to regular professional care is the most effective way to protect your teeth long-term. Small changes — chewing thoughtfully, wearing a mouthguard, and attending regular check-ups — add up to significant differences in the health and appearance of your smile over time.
If you’re concerned about any of the habits above, or if it’s been a while since your last dental visit, the licensed dental team at Expressions Dental in Calgary NW is here to help. We welcome new patients and families, and our team takes time to listen, explain your options, and build a care plan that works for you.
Ready to protect your smile? Book an appointment at Expressions Dental Calgary today — we’re accepting new patients and would love to help you and your family achieve lasting dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chewing ice really bad for your teeth?
Yes — chewing ice puts extreme stress on the crystalline structure of tooth enamel and can cause chips, cracks, or even a complete tooth split. Teeth that already have large fillings are especially at risk. If you've noticed sensitivity or a chip after chewing ice, see your dentist promptly for an assessment.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs of nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) include waking up with jaw soreness, headaches, or facial muscle tension. Your dentist can also identify wear patterns on your teeth during a routine check-up. A custom night guard is often recommended to protect your teeth and reduce jaw strain while you sleep.
What type of mouthguard is best for sports?
A custom-fitted mouthguard made by your dentist offers the best protection because it is shaped precisely to your teeth and provides a secure, comfortable fit. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards offer some protection but are generally bulkier and less effective. If you play any contact or recreational sport in Calgary NW, ask your dentist about a custom sports mouthguard.
Can using my teeth as tools cause permanent damage?
Yes — using your teeth to open packaging, crack nuts, or bite nails applies forces your teeth are not designed to handle and can cause micro-cracks, chips, or full fractures. These habits also wear down the edges of front teeth over time, affecting both function and appearance. Small chips caught early can often be repaired with a simple composite filling.
How often should I visit the dentist to prevent dental problems?
Most dentists recommend a check-up and professional cleaning every six months, though some patients may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their gum health and cavity risk. Routine visits allow early detection of decay, gum disease, and other issues before they become serious. Preventive care is almost always simpler and less costly than restorative treatment.
What should I do if I crack or break a tooth?
If you crack or break a tooth, contact your dentist as soon as possible — some fractures can worsen quickly if left untreated. Avoid chewing on the affected side and rinse gently with warm water. The team at Expressions Dental Calgary offers emergency dental care and can assess whether the tooth needs a filling, crown, or other treatment.
Can worn or damaged teeth be repaired?
Yes — depending on the extent of the damage, options may include composite fillings, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or other restorative treatments. Your dentist will recommend the most conservative option that restores both function and appearance. The sooner damage is treated, the more tooth structure can typically be preserved.