These Everyday Habits Cause Tooth Damage

July 27, 2020

Many of us take our teeth for granted. Day in and day out, chewing, smiling, speaking–we just assume our teeth will always be there for us.

Unfortunately, the wear and tear of everyday habits can start to take a toll on your pearly whites…and cause noticeable tooth damage much sooner than you might think.

Here are a few common habits that could be damaging your teeth.

Using Your Teeth To Open Things

Have you ever opened a plastic package, soda can or beer bottle with your teeth? Do you do it on a regular basis?

Human teeth are not meant for wrenching things open; they’re only meant for chewing. So when you subject your teeth to the harsh crunching and pressure of opening a soda can, you’re risking chipping them and eroding enamel. This is one of the most common ways to cause tooth damage that requires surgical correction, like veneers, implants or crowns.

Biting Your Nails

Some studies show that around 20-30 percent of people bite their fingernails regularly. Many dismiss this habit as harmless. It turns out, however, that nail biting is terrible for your teeth.

How does nail biting affect your pearly whites?

Risk of chipping or cracking front teeth

Risk of wearing down tooth enamel

Increased risk of bruxism (excessive tooth grinding and jaw clenching)

Risk of gum damage or injury

Risk of illness and infection (fingernails have tons of bacteria and germs on them)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association , the easiest way to stop biting your nails is to keep them as short as possible.

Other ways to offset the habit include using bitter-tasting nail polish, gradually weaning yourself off nail biting, and identifying nail biting triggers. Once you identify your triggers, you can formulate a plan to replace nail biting with other, less harmful habits.

Eating Ice

Crunching ice can be a pleasant experience. If you don’t have sensitive teeth, it can be refreshing–and is way healthier than eating hard candy or crunching chips or cookies.

Unfortunately, ice can wreak its own kind of havoc on your teeth.

The biggest risk with eating ice is chipping one of your teeth. The hard edges on ice can also cause abrasions or cuts on your gums, tooth and roof of your mouth.

For others, the compulsion to eat ice can signal underlying health conditions. Craving ice has been linked with iron deficiency and even anemia. It has also been linked with compulsive disorders. Talk to your primary care doctor if you have a strong urge to eat ice or other non-food items that have no nutritional value.

Are you guilty of any (or all) of these tooth damage inducing habits? It’s okay–it’s never too late to do better! Talk with your dentist about finding reasonable solutions for replacing your bad habits with positive ones!

Want more info on tooth health and oral care? Check Patriot Family Dentistry’s blog for regular updates and new content!

The post These Everyday Habits Cause Tooth Damage appeared first on Patriot Family Dental.

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What Your Gums Are Telling You About Your Health

June 29, 2026

At Patriot Family Dental, we know your gums do more than support your teeth. The condition of your gums can give valuable insight into your overall health. Changes in your gum health may be early warning signs of issues affecting other parts of the body. Understanding what your gums tell you can help you take early actions to preserve your oral health and general well-being. Healthy Gums Signify Positive Oral Health Healthy gums should appear pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. They should not bleed during brushing or flossing or feel tender or swollen. Healthy gums create a protective barrier that keeps harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream. However, when gum health begins to decline, your body may be signaling that something needs attention. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Many people assume bleeding gums are normal, but they are often an early sign of gum disease. Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms that may indicate a problem include: • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Persistent bad breath • Receding gums • Loose teeth • Increased tooth sensitivity • Pain when chewing If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental examination as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent more serious oral and systemic health concerns. The Link Between Gums & Overall Health Studies have proven strong relationships from oral issues to several chronic health conditions. Inflammation from periodontal disease may affect the body’s immune response and contribute to other health complications. Studies have linked gum disease to: • Heart disease • Diabetes • Stroke • Respiratory infections • Pregnancy complications Uncontrolled diabetes can make gum disease harder to manage, while severe gum disease may make blood sugar levels harder to control. This two-way relationship highlights the crucial role of maintaining healthy gums in integrated healthcare. What Receding Gums May Be Telling You Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. It can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, or teeth grinding. Receding gums may cause tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of decay below the gumline. Addressing the cause early helps preserve oral health and prevent further damage. Preventive Dental Care Makes a Difference One of the best ways to keep your gums healthy is regular preventive dental care. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. At Patriot Family Dental, we evaluate your gum health during routine visits. By spotting signs of inflammation, infection, or gum disease early, we help you sustain a healthier smile and reduce future risks. You can also support healthy gums at home by: • Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste • Flossing every day • Using an antimicrobial mouthwash • Eating a balanced diet • Avoiding tobacco products • Scheduling regular dental checkups Listen to Your Gums Your gums reveal important information about your oral and overall health. Paying attention to changes, including bleeding, swelling, or recession, helps catch likely concerns before they worsen. At Patriot Family Dental, we are committed to helping patients achieve healthier smiles via comprehensive, personalized dental care. Whether you are due for a regular cleaning or have concerns about your gum health, our experienced team is here to help. Schedule your next dental appointment today, then take an important step toward protecting your smile and your total wellness.

The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health