22/05/2025
9 Things Dentists Never Do
According to CDC statistics, nearly 50% of people over 30 in the U.S. show signs of gum disease, and 26% of adults have untreated tooth decay.
Dental or gum problems are not uncommon, and dentists say certain lifestyle factors can contribute to oral health issues. Some everyday habits may undermine the benefits of good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth after meals and before bedtime. You may unknowingly be engaging in some of these harmful behaviors.
Here are the habits and behaviors dentists avoid and recommend others follow to keep their teeth healthy:
- Not chewing ice
Dr. Natalie Peterson, a clinical associate professor of dentistry at the University of Minnesota, warns that many people enjoy chewing ice in their drinks without realizing the potential harm. Ice can chip teeth because it is both hard and cold, posing a particular risk to teeth with fillings.
- Not biting nails
Dr. Jennifer Soncini, a clinical associate professor of pediatric dentistry at Boston University, explains that nail-biting can lead to dental issues. Since nail-biting often becomes a habit, teeth endure repeated stress. This behavior wears down the enamel at the edges of the teeth, weakening their protection against cavities, erosion, infections, and sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Not using teeth to open packages or bottles
Using your teeth to open a bag of chips or a bottle of water may seem harmless, but dentists strongly advise against it. Dr. Jarrett Manning, a cosmetic and implant dentist and owner of JLM Dental Studios in Georgia, states that although teeth are strong, they are not meant for opening bottle caps, tearing packaging, or chewing hard objects. This unnecessary stress can cause pain, fractures, root canal treatments, or even tooth extractions.
- Limiting gummy candy
Dentists steer clear of chewy candies such as gummy worms, gummy bears, and peach rings. Soncini notes that gummy candies can get stuck in tooth grooves and between teeth, leading to cavities and possibly pulling out fillings. Peterson advises avoiding sour gummies in particular, as they are extremely sticky, sweet, and acidic.
- Not drinking too much alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption is known to be harmful to liver health, cancer risk, and sleep quality. Manning points out that it also negatively affects oral health. Alcohol dries out the mouth and reduces saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth, protect teeth, and neutralize acids. A lack of saliva increases the risk of tooth decay.
- Not using toothbrushes with hard bristles
Peterson recommends soft-bristled toothbrushes for multiple reasons. Medium or hard-bristled toothbrushes can wear down gums, leading to gum recession, which is difficult to reverse. These brushes may also contribute to overall tooth wear.
- Not smoking
Manning stresses that smoking causes serious health issues, including severe dental problems. Smoking discolors teeth and, in extreme cases, can lead to oral cancer. Quitting smoking can be challenging, but many resources are available to support this goal. If you don’t smoke, don’t start—for the sake of your oral health.
- Not skipping daily oral hygiene
Dentists strongly advise against neglecting brushing and flossing. Flossing, combined with daily brushing, is key to preventing gum disease.
Soncini emphasizes that brushing at night is especially important—never go to bed without brushing. Even if you skip brushing during the day, failing to brush before bedtime is one of the worst things you can do for your mouth. Keeping your teeth clean at night helps prevent bacterial growth while you sleep.
- Not skipping dental checkups
Manning underscores the importance of regular dental visits for maintaining oral health and detecting problems early. The frequency of checkups depends on individual dental history and other factors.
Peterson explains that routine dental visits should be tailored to each patient based on their risk factors and overall oral health. Some people may need only one checkup per year if their teeth are in good condition. Many benefit from two visits per year, while those with higher risk factors or existing dental issues may require three or four visits annually.
