Our teeth work hard every day — from morning coffee to late‑night snacks — yet many of the habits we don’t think twice about can quietly weaken them over time. At Milltown Family Dentistry in Carrboro, NC, Dr. Ben Lambeth and Dr. Megumi Lambeth help patients understand how daily routines can affect oral health, often in ways you’d never expect.
Here are five common habits that might be doing more harm than you realize — and what you can do instead to protect your smile.
- Chips or cracks in enamel
- Misalignment of front teeth
- Stress on jaw joints
- Flattened biting surfaces
- Increased sensitivity
- Cracks or enamel wear
- Jaw muscle strain or headaches
- Increased cavities
- Thinner, more sensitive enamel
- Staining and dullness
- Brush before bed. Nighttime brushing is crucial because saliva flow drops while you sleep, giving bacteria a longer opportunity to create acids that erode enamel.
Habit 1: Nail Biting
Nail biting seems harmless, but it puts constant pressure on your teeth and jaw. Over time, this repeated stress can cause:
The pressure from nail biting isn’t just cosmetic. It can lead to uneven wear and tear, making teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity or damage later on.
What to do instead: Keep hands busy with a stress ball, wear a bitter‑tasting deterrent on nails, or practice awareness techniques to break the cycle. If your bite feels “off” after years of nail biting, a dental checkup can help monitor alignment and wear.
Habit 2: Using Your Teeth as Tools
It’s surprisingly common to use teeth to tear open snack bags, rip tags off clothing, or twist bottle caps — but that habit can backfire. Teeth are strong, but they aren’t built to function like tools. Using them this way can cause chips, cracks, or even loosen existing dental work.
Over time, these quick shortcuts can lead to more serious (and costly) repairs.
What to do instead: Keep scissors or a small tool handy for those everyday tasks. If you catch yourself using your teeth out of habit, it’s worth taking a moment to pause — especially if preserving your enamel and avoiding fractures is the goal.
Habit 3: Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Many people clench or grind their teeth without realizing it — especially at night. This habit, called bruxism, subjects teeth to forces much greater than normal chewing.
Repeated grinding can cause:
Even if you don’t grind loudly, your body may be doing it while you sleep.
How we help: A custom nightguard from Milltown Family Dentistry can cushion your teeth and prevent damage. If you notice morning jaw tension or uneven wear, tell us — we’ll assess and recommend the best solution.
Habit 4: Frequent Energy Drinks or Sodas
Energy drinks, sodas, and even some sports beverages are highly acidic and loaded with sugars. Beverages like Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and similar drinks are not just sweet — they can erode enamel with repeated exposure.
Acid softens enamel, making it easier for sugar to fuel decay. Over time, this combination can lead to:
Healthier choices: Sip water throughout the day, and if you do enjoy an occasional soda or energy drink, try to consume it with meals rather than sipping it over hours. Rinsing with water afterward also helps wash away sugars and acids.
Habit 5: Only Brushing Once a Day
Brushing once a day is better than not brushing at all — but it leaves a lot of plaque unnoticed and unattended, especially the plaque that builds up overnight. Plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed with brushing alone and requires professional cleaning.
If you only brush once, try this at minimum:
For most people, brushing twice a day and flossing once a day provides the best defense against decay and gum disease. If your routine needs improvement, the team at Milltown Family Dentistry can show you techniques that make every brush more effective.
Small Changes, Big Smile Protection
You might not connect these everyday habits with long‑term dental damage, but over months and years, they add up. The good news? Most of them are easy to adjust once you know what to watch for.
At Milltown Family Dentistry in Carrboro, NC, Dr. Ben Lambeth and Dr. Megumi Lambeth are here to help you fine‑tune your daily dental care and protect your smile from habits that can cause wear, decay, or discomfort.
If you’re unsure whether a habit is affecting your teeth, or if you’re experiencing sensitivity, wear, or pain — call us today. A quick consultation can identify early signs of damage and set you on a path to stronger, healthier teeth that last a lifetime. Your smile works hard for you — let’s help it stay strong.
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