Dr. Peter Patellis in Kennett Square, PA, Shares What to Avoid for a Healthier Smile
You brush, you floss, and you visit your dentist—but could you still be unknowingly harming your teeth? Many people have daily habits that seem harmless but can cause real damage to their teeth and gums over time. From chewing ice to skipping meals, small choices can lead to sensitivity, enamel wear, cracks, or even tooth loss. Fortunately, becoming aware of these habits and learning how to break them is one of the best things you can do for your long-term oral health.
At Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Peter Patellis, one of the best dentists in Kennett Square, helps patients throughout Kennett Square, Avondale, Wilmington, and Oxford not only restore their smiles but also protect them from everyday wear and tear. In this guide, we’re covering the top 5 bad habits that may be damaging your teeth without you even realizing it. Call our Kennett Square dental office at 610-444-6311 to schedule your dental visit, or book online today.
Which Habits Can Cause Tooth Damage Over Time?
1. Chewing Ice or Hard Objects
It might seem like a harmless crunch, but biting into ice, pens, fingernails, or popcorn kernels can cause serious damage to your teeth.
Why It Matters: This habit puts tremendous stress on your enamel and can lead to chips, cracks, or even fractures in dental crowns and dental fillings. Chewing on hard food items, such as popcorn kernels, can increase the risk of tooth fractures. Once a tooth is cracked, it may require a crown—or worse, a root canal or tooth extraction.
Dr. Patellis Recommends: Choose sugar-free gum instead. If you tend to chew from stress or boredom, find a healthy outlet like drinking water or using a soft stress ball.
2. Using Teeth as Tools
Opening bottles, tearing packaging, or biting tags may seem like a shortcut, but it’s a shortcut to tooth damage.
Why It Matters: Your teeth weren’t designed to be scissors. Using them to open things can cause cracks or even dislodge restorations like porcelain veneers or dental crowns. These habits can also result in damaged teeth that may require restorative dental treatments such as dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Dr. Patellis Recommends: Keep a small multitool or pair of scissors nearby. If you already have damage from using your teeth as tools, ask about cosmetic bonding or restoration options.
3. Skipping Meals (Especially Breakfast)
Busy schedules sometimes lead to missed meals, but your teeth pay the price.
Why It Matters: Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth, and eating regularly supports saliva production. Skipping meals can result in dry mouth and leave enamel vulnerable to decay and erosion.
Dr. Patellis Recommends: Stay hydrated and aim to eat balanced meals, especially in the morning. Avoid soft drinks, as these can worsen dry mouth symptoms; opt for water or sugarless alternatives instead. If dry mouth is an ongoing issue, we can recommend moisturizing rinses or products to help.
4. Over-Brushing or Using a Hard-Bristle Toothbrush
Brushing harder might feel cleaner, but it’s not better for your enamel or gums.
Why It Matters: Brushing too hard or using a firm-bristled toothbrush can wear down tooth enamel and cause gum recession, increasing sensitivity and risk for cavities.
Dr. Patellis Recommends: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can help maintain a healthy balance. It’s also best to visit a dentist near you for a dental cleaning.
5. Ignoring Jaw Pain or Teeth Grinding
Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth—especially at night or for long periods—can cause long-term damage before you even realize it.
Why It Matters: Bruxism (teeth grinding) wears down enamel, causes headaches, and can lead to cracked teeth or TMJ problems. Clenching or grinding for long periods increases the risk of significant dental damage.
Dr. Patellis Recommends: If you wake up with jaw pain or notice tooth wear, a custom mouth guard may help protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching. Our office provides custom-fitted guards that protect your teeth while you sleep.
Break the Habit, Save Your Smile With Dr. Patellis
Many patients don’t realize these common habits are contributing to worn enamel, gum issues, or broken restorations. The good news? Once you know what to avoid, you can take simple steps to protect your teeth and avoid more costly dental work down the line.
Dentists near Oxford can provide fluoride treatments to help restore and strengthen tooth enamel. It’s important to avoid chewing tobacco and other tobacco products, as they can cause gum disease, bad breath, dry mouth, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. If you struggle with nail biting, using nail polish can help deter the habit and protect your teeth. Untreated bad habits may lead to missing teeth, which can require restorative options. Regular dental visits should also include oral cancer screenings, with careful checks of the tongue and other areas for early detection.
If you’re unsure whether your habits are affecting your oral health, Dr. Patellis can help. During your visit, we’ll examine your teeth for signs of wear, recommend personalized solutions, and offer guidance to keep your smile strong and healthy.
Protect Your Teeth With Dental Care in Kennett Square
If you suspect your daily habits are harming your teeth, now is the perfect time to take action. At Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to help you maintain your healthiest, most confident smile.
Call our Kennett Square dental office at 610-444-6311 to schedule your visit, or book online today. We proudly serve patients from Kennett Square, Avondale, Oxford, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Let’s protect your smile—starting today.