Your Habits Could Be Harming Your Smile
At Mark Bilello DDS, we help patients protect their teeth from decay, cracks, and enamel erosion—but many dental issues begin with simple, overlooked habits. While brushing and flossing matter, your daily choices play a big role in long-term oral health.
Here are five habits that could be silently damaging your teeth—and how you can stop them.
1. Sipping Sugary and Acidic Drinks
Soft drinks, sports drinks, lemonade, and even fruit juices may feel refreshing—but they can erode tooth enamel over time.
Why it’s harmful:
- Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria
- Acids weaken the enamel, making teeth more prone to decay
- Enamel erosion leads to sensitivity and discoloration
What to do instead:
- Choose water or milk when possible
- Rinse with water after drinking soda or juice
- Use a straw to limit contact with teeth
Want more help protecting your enamel? Learn about our general restorative services.
2. Chewing on Ice or Hard Objects
It might seem like a harmless habit, but crunching on ice, pens, or popcorn kernels can do real damage.
Potential consequences:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Damaged fillings or crowns
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Save your smile the trouble—swap crunchy habits for softer snacks and protect any existing dental work. If damage has already occurred, our restorative dentistry options can help.
3. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Opening packages with your teeth? Tearing off a tag or popping a bottle cap?
This can lead to:
- Fractured teeth
- Damaged enamel
- Long-term stress on your bite
Instead, keep small scissors or tools nearby. Your teeth are meant for eating and smiling—not for multitasking.
4. Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Whether caused by stress or while you sleep, grinding and clenching your teeth can wear them down over time.
What it can cause:
- Flattened or worn enamel
- Tooth fractures
- Jaw pain and headaches
Solutions include:
- Wearing a nightguard
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques
- Scheduling a dental evaluation to check for signs of bruxism
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Hydration plays a bigger role in oral health than most people realize. A dry mouth means less saliva, which is your body’s natural defense against cavities.
Benefits of water include:
- Washing away food particles and bacteria
- Neutralizing acids
- Encouraging saliva production
Sip water throughout the day—especially after meals, sugary snacks, or coffee.
Make Small Changes for Big Results
Protecting your teeth doesn’t always mean doing more—it often means doing less of the wrong things. By breaking these habits, you help prevent decay, cracks, and costly treatments down the road.
At Houma Comprehensive Dentistry, we’re here to guide you toward better dental habits and long-lasting oral health. Ready to protect your smile?
📞 Call us at (985) 332-3134
🗓️ Or schedule your visit online