Everyday Habits That Can Seriously Damage Your Teeth
Several common daily habits can cause lasting damage to your teeth, including cracked enamel, fractures, decay, and jaw problems. Identifying and changing these habits early can protect your smile and reduce the need for costly dental treatment down the road. At Expressions Dental in Calgary NW, our licensed dental team helps patients understand how to prevent damage before it starts.
1. Chewing on Ice
Chewing ice may feel harmless, but it places significant stress on your teeth. The hard texture and cold temperature can cause small cracks in tooth enamel that grow larger over time, eventually leading to a fractured or chipped tooth. Once a tooth fractures, it may require treatment such as a dental crown or, in serious cases, extraction.
What to do instead: Let ice melt naturally in your drink, or switch to chilled water without ice if the urge to chew is difficult to resist.
2. Playing Sports Without a Mouthguard
Participating in contact or high-impact sports — including hockey, basketball, football, and soccer — without a mouthguard puts your teeth at significant risk. A single hard blow can knock out, crack, or displace a tooth. A custom-fitted sports mouthguard cushions impact to the teeth, lips, and jaw, reducing the risk of traumatic dental injury.
What to do instead: Ask your dentist about a professionally fitted mouthguard. If you do experience a dental injury during sport, emergency dental care should be sought as quickly as possible.
3. Bedtime Bottles for Babies
Giving babies or toddlers a bottle of milk at bedtime significantly increases their risk of early childhood tooth decay, sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay. When milk (or any sweetened liquid) pools around the teeth during sleep, the natural sugars interact with oral bacteria to break down tooth enamel, leading to decay in primary (baby) teeth.
What to do instead: Offer water in the bedtime bottle, or gently wipe your baby’s gums and teeth with a clean cloth after feeding. Regular dental check-ups starting from the arrival of the first tooth are important. Our dental care for children in Calgary supports healthy smiles from infancy.
4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding — clinically known as bruxism — is a habit that many people are unaware they have, as it often occurs during sleep. Over time, grinding places excessive pressure on the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and headaches.
What to do instead: A custom-made night guard from your dentist can protect your teeth from grinding damage while you sleep. Stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises may also help. If jaw pain is persistent, speak to your dentist about TMJ treatment in Calgary NW.
5. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Teeth are designed for eating, speaking, and smiling — not for opening packaging, tearing tags, cracking nuts, or holding objects. Using your teeth as tools creates unpredictable stress and force that can chip, crack, or fracture a tooth instantly. This type of injury often results in an unplanned dental visit.
What to do instead: Keep scissors, bottle openers, and proper tools nearby. It only takes a moment of convenience to cause damage that requires significant dental repair.
6. Aggressive Tooth Brushing
Brushing harder does not mean brushing better. Using a hard-bristle toothbrush or scrubbing aggressively can wear down enamel and irritate gum tissue, leading to gum recession and increased tooth sensitivity over time.
What to do instead: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and apply gentle, circular strokes. Regular professional cleanings with our licensed dental hygienists in Calgary can help assess the health of your enamel and gums and provide personalised brushing guidance.
7. Frequent Snacking on Sugary or Acidic Foods
Every time you eat or drink something sugary or acidic, your mouth enters an acidic state that can last up to 30 minutes. Frequent snacking throughout the day means your teeth spend extended periods under acid attack, gradually eroding enamel and increasing your risk of cavities.
What to do instead: Limit snacking between meals, rinse your mouth with water after eating, and choose tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese, vegetables, or nuts. Maintain your routine dental check-ups and cleanings to catch early signs of erosion or decay.
Protect Your Smile at Expressions Dental in Calgary NW
Many dental problems caused by everyday habits are entirely preventable with the right guidance and care. Whether you are concerned about grinding, decay, or a damaged tooth, the licensed dental team at Expressions Dental Calgary is here to help. We welcome new patients and families across Calgary NW and surrounding communities.
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger smile. Visit us at expressionsdental.ca or contact our clinic directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chewing ice really crack my teeth?
Yes — chewing ice is a common cause of hairline cracks and chips in teeth. The combination of hardness and cold temperature places stress on enamel that can lead to small fractures over time. These cracks can grow and eventually cause a tooth to break, which may require a crown or other restorative treatment. It is best to avoid chewing ice entirely.
Does my child really need to see a dentist before age two?
Yes. Canadian dental guidelines recommend that children see a dentist when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday at the latest. Early visits help identify signs of baby bottle tooth decay, assess development, and establish good oral hygiene habits. Expressions Dental offers friendly, welcoming dental care for children in Calgary NW.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs of nighttime teeth grinding include waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, noticing worn or flattened tooth surfaces, and experiencing increased tooth sensitivity. A partner may also report hearing grinding sounds during sleep. Your dentist can examine your teeth and jaw to confirm bruxism and discuss options such as a custom night guard or TMJ treatment.
Is using my teeth to open packages really that harmful?
Yes — using your teeth as tools applies sudden, uncontrolled force that teeth are not designed to withstand. This can cause chipping, cracking, or fracturing in an instant. Dental injuries from this habit often require emergency treatment, such as a crown, veneer, or in severe cases, extraction and replacement.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during sport?
Act quickly — a knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if you seek emergency dental care within 30 to 60 minutes. Keep the tooth moist by placing it gently back in the socket or storing it in milk. Contact Expressions Dental immediately or visit our emergency dental care service for urgent treatment.
How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Most adults benefit from a professional cleaning every six months, though your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your individual needs. Regular cleanings remove tartar build-up that brushing alone cannot address and allow your dental team to identify early signs of damage caused by harmful habits.
Can aggressive brushing cause permanent damage to my teeth?
Yes. Brushing too hard over time can wear down tooth enamel and cause gum recession, which exposes sensitive root surfaces and increases the risk of cavities. Once enamel is lost, it cannot grow back. Switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush and using gentle technique can prevent further damage, and your dental hygienist can advise on proper brushing methods.