Brushing and flossing may be part of your daily routine—but some everyday habits can still sabotage your smile without you realizing it. At Towson Dental Group, we want to help you protect your teeth between visits. Let’s look at five sneaky habits that may be doing more harm than good—and what to do instead.

1. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Ever use your teeth to tear open snack bags, rip off price tags, or hold keys when your hands are full? You’re not alone—but this habit can lead to cracked or chipped teeth.

What to Do Instead:

Keep small scissors or a keychain tool handy. It might feel convenient in the moment, but your teeth aren’t built for those kinds of jobs!

2. Brushing Too Hard

You might think a firm brush = a better clean, but brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and irritate your gums.

What to Do Instead:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions. Think of it as “massaging” your teeth and gums, not scrubbing grout.

3. Snacking All Day

Frequent snacking—especially on sugary or starchy foods—keeps your mouth in a constant acid attack mode, which increases your risk for cavities.

What to Do Instead:

Stick to regular meals and limit snacks to once or twice a day. If you do snack, rinse your mouth with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing.

4. Chewing on Ice

Ice might seem like a harmless way to cool off, but crunching it can cause small fractures in your enamel that weaken your teeth over time.

What to Do Instead:

Drink cold beverages with a straw, and if you love chewing, switch to sugar-free gum instead.

5. Skipping Dental Checkups

If your teeth feel fine, it’s easy to put off that cleaning. But skipping regular dental visits can allow small problems—like early decay or gum disease—to become big ones.

What to Do Instead:

Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and checkup. Preventive care is the best way to avoid pain, cost, and bigger procedures later.

Protect Your Smile with Towson Dental Group

At Towson Dental Group, we believe prevention is the best form of dental care. Whether it’s time for your next cleaning or you’ve got questions about improving your daily habits, our team is here to help.

📍 Serving patients in Towson and the greater Baltimore area

📞 Call us at (410) 823-0044

📧 Email: TowsonDentalGroup@gmail.com

Your smile deserves expert care—and a little TLC goes a long way!