The #1 Habit Dentists Want You To Skip for a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth and Gums (It's Not Avoiding Sugar)

Ashley Broadwater
·6 min read
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When it comes to dental and oral health, you know to brush and floss your teeth a couple times a day and visit your dentist regularly. However, what not to do isn’t discussed as much—and some of the advice is surprising.

For example, one major habit many dentists advise against is biting your nails. While it may seem harmless, it can hurt your teeth and overall health in more ways than you might realize.

Related: Should You Floss or Brush First? Dentists Reveal the Truth About Your Dental Routine

How Biting Your Nails Can Harm Your Oral Health

So why, exactly, is nail-biting so bad for your teeth and health overall? Here's what you need to know.

It can cause damage to your teeth

Even though teeth are strong (they have a lot of chewing to do, after all), this habit can actually break them. “Nail biting can cause teeth to become short, chipped or even fractured due to uneven pressure applied over time, eroding the enamel,” says dentist Dr. Jamie Laviola, DMD.

To illustrate this, he encourages thinking about your teeth like an engine. “An engine runs best when used as intended, without putting unnecessary stress on its parts,” he continues. “Similarly, your teeth are designed for chewing food, and not for nail biting.”

Curious about the science? “The nails are made up of a strong protein called keratin, which can damage the tooth enamel and expose sensitive nerves,” explains Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani, DDS, the CEO and director of Costello Family Dentistry.

It introduces unhelpful bacteria and potential infections

Even though you probably can’t see a lot of the bacteria under your nails, it’s there. This can harm not only your oral cavity but other parts of your body too.

“Your mouth is the gateway to your oral and overall health,” explains Dr. Fatima Khan, DMD, a dentist and the co-founder of Riven Oral Care. “It works synergistically with other organs in the body…bacteria can spread from the oral cavity through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.”

One more note of caution: cutting your gums. “If you accidentally cut your gums with one of your nails, you are even more at risk for a gum infection, which can adversely affect your oral health,” Dr. Yazdani adds.

Related: There's a Surprising Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health—Here's What to Know

Tips To Help You Stop Nail-Biting

People bite their nails for many understandable reasons, whether they involve anxiety, boredom or something else. When it feels second nature, how do you stop?

One tip is to paint your nails. This can work in a variety of ways. “The taste of it isn’t pleasant, and neither is the thought of all the germs transferring to your mouth,” says Dr. Nicole Mackie, DDS, MS, FACP, a prosthodontist, aesthetic injector and owner of Dr. Nicole Mackie Dental Implant Specialty Center. “Plus, who likes messing up their cute nails?” (Point taken!)

Not into painted nails? Another option she shares is trimming your nails. “There’s nothing to bite if they're trimmed,” she says. Or, you can try clear nail polish if you just don’t want color.

Additionally, some suggestions from the Cleveland Clinic include behavioral therapy, relaxation and social support.

Other Common Habits To Avoid for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Chewing ice cubes

While this may be a way you try to get extra hydration, it’s not doing your teeth any favors—especially long-term. “Ice might be refreshing, but chewing it can be like hitting a rock with a hammer repeatedly,” Dr. Laviola says. “It might break right away, but eventually, cracks will appear.” Further, chewing ice can chip and break teeth, he adds.

Using teeth as tools

Similarly, you’re going to want to avoid using your teeth for anything they aren’t intended for, no matter how tempting. “Sometimes we might use our teeth to open a bottle or tear a package,” Dr. Laviola says. He warns this can wear out, chip and crack your teeth.

Unfortunately, that can require a root canal to fix. “While [opening bottles with your teeth] may seem like a fun party trick, you can easily crack a tooth and even expose a root and nerves,” Dr. Yazdani says. “Not only will this likely cause you some pain, but more severe cracks will require a root canal to repair.”

Further, he advises not chewing on bottle caps, either, as doing so can also lead to tooth problems.

Vaping

Add this to your list of reasons for skipping a hit. Dr. Khan explains vapes have aerosols that can lead to dry mouth, and that lack of saliva can lead to bad breath, cavities, gingival issues, pathogenic bacteria and canker sores. “Within weeks of vaping, you can notice dental staining, especially if the vaping solution is rich in nicotine and coloring agents,” she adds.

Related: Get Bright Pearly Whites With These 20 Innovative Teeth Whitening Products

Breathing through your mouth

While this is unavoidable at times—hello, allergy season!—it’s a habit to avoid when possible. “Chronic mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, which reduces saliva production and increases the risk of cavities and gum disease,” Dr. Mackie says.

Related: Mouth Taping Is the Latest Viral TikTok Trend—but Is It Safe?

Brushing too hard

While brushing hard enough is important, not brushing too hard might be even more crucial. “Imagine washing a delicate fabric with a hard-bristle brush: It’s going to wear out quickly,” Dr. Laviola says. “Similarly, brushing teeth too hard can damage enamel and gums, leading to sensitivity and other issues.”

Drinking and eating acidic fruits

The good news about this one is you can still enjoy your daily glass of OJ. “It is fine to consume; however, do not suck on lemons and do not brush your teeth right after having acidic fruits, because that acidity weakens the enamel, and brushing will cause further enamel loss,” Dr. Khan clarifies.

She encourages waiting an hour to brush your teeth after drinking or eating something acidic, as well as drinking with a straw when possible to lessen contact.

Skipping flossing

This habit may be a little less surprising, but it’s worth repeating as skipping the floss “can quickly lead to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis, which comes with many issues, such as swollen or bleeding gums and bad breath,” Dr. Yazdani says.

More specifically, he recommends brushing and flossing twice a day and seeing your dentist yearly for cleanings.

Grinding and clenching your teeth

Do this without realizing it? That's fair! While it's not always immediately noticeable, grinding and clenching are both habits to try to be mindful of.

According to Dr. Khan, grinding and clenching your teeth can lead to dental wear/chipping, wearing away at your enamel, pain, gum recession, tension headaches and more.

If you notice this, address the underlying cause first. For example, Dr. Khan says you might need a mouthguard while weightlifting, a night guard while sleeping, or some meditation and stretching.

With tips and tools like these, you can ensure a healthier mouth (and brighter smile).

Next up, Dentists Are Begging You to Ditch a Super-Popular Product—Here's Why

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