One of the most prevalent oral health issues is tooth decay, commonly known as cavities. This condition affects people of all ages and is the leading cause of tooth loss among children and young adults. Beyond cavities, everyday habits can compromise dental health, either by causing immediate damage—such as cracks or chips—or by contributing to long-term problems that gradually worsen over time.
Surprisingly, many people are unaware that routine behaviours could be contributing to dental issues. “Poor oral health often results from multiple factors, and some are self-inflicted,” said Dr Olabode Ijarogbe, President of the Nigerian Dental Association.
Some unhealthy habits are easy to develop but difficult to break, especially when individuals do not realise their negative impact on oral health. These everyday behaviours gradually wear down teeth and can trigger a range of dental problems. Here are some common practices that harm teeth:
Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding
Stress may cause some individuals to clench their jaw or grind their teeth. “Teeth grinding can become a habit, sometimes beginning in childhood. This wears away the enamel—the protective outer layer of the teeth—exposing the dentine beneath, which contains nerve fibres. This leads to sensitivity to hot or cold foods,” Dr Ijarogbe warns.
Jaw clenching and grinding can also damage dental restorations like fillings, crowns, and braces. In children, if the habit persists into adulthood, it can cause gum problems, tooth sensitivity, and even jaw joint pain.
Chewing Ice
Many people enjoy crunching leftover ice from cold drinks. While it may seem harmless, chewing ice can seriously damage teeth. “The effect depends on the hardness of the ice and the way it’s chewed,” explained Dr Ijarogbe. Ice can wear down enamel and, if teeth are already chipped or weakened, it can cause cracks and increase the risk of toothaches.
Using Teeth as Tools
Teeth are designed for chewing food, speaking, and smiling. Using them to open bottles, hold pens, or bite nails can cause cracks, chips, or gum irritation. Holding hard objects like nails in the mouth can wear down enamel over time, a habit common among some carpenters, Dr Ijarogbe noted.
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing is essential for oral hygiene, but excessive force can harm teeth. Overbrushing wears down enamel, irritates gums, increases sensitivity, and may even contribute to cavities. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended, as it effectively removes plaque without causing damage.
Hard-Bristled Toothbrushes
Contrary to popular belief, firmer brushes are not always better. Over time, gums recede and tooth roots become exposed, increasing sensitivity. Hard bristles can irritate the gums and wear away cementum, the protective layer covering the roots, leading to further dental issues, explained Dr Obitade Obimakinde of the University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
Nail Biting
Biting nails affects more than appearance; it can misalign teeth, chip enamel, and even cause breaks.
Toothpick Misuse
Using a toothpick correctly can help clean between teeth, but excessive force can damage gums and teeth, potentially leading to gum disease, warned Dr Obimakinde.
Thumb Sucking
Common in children, thumb sucking is usually harmless in early years. However, if it continues after permanent teeth start emerging, it may cause misalignment, flaring of upper incisors, gaps, or a narrow upper jaw.
Chewing Vitamin C Tablets
Chewing vitamin C tablets is more harmful than chewing sugar due to their acidity, which can erode enamel and increase cavity risk. It can also irritate the stomach or cause heartburn. Vitamin C is safer in pill form, and prolonged contact with teeth should be avoided.
Chewing Tobacco
Tobacco products contribute to gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Chewing tobacco stains teeth and poses serious health risks, including oral cancers.
Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugars in soft drinks, sweets, and pastries feed bacteria in the mouth, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. “Refined foods containing sugar initiate the process of tooth decay, starting with cavity formation,” Dr Ijarogbe explained.
