In today's fast-paced world, many of us, without realizing it, have damaging dental habits that damage them over time. These seemingly harmless habits can cause tooth enamel wear, cracked teeth, gum recession and many other problems. Interestingly, most of these habits are done when we are completely unconscious – when we are concentrating on work, stressed or even sleeping.

According to research by the American Dental Association, more than 60% of dental injuries are caused by bad dental habits, not rot or gum disease. This statistic shows the importance of identifying and correcting these habits before causing irreparable damage.

Classification of destructive habits of teeth

1. Habits related to stress and anxiety
2. Destructive eating habits
3. Incorrect health habits
4. Job and daily habits
5. sports and recreational habits
6. Habits related to stress and anxiety

1. Teeth grinding (Broxism)

Types of teeth grinding:

• Nocturnal: happens in sleep
• Daily: When awake and usually unconscious

Injury mechanism:

• Enamel Abrasion: Pressure up to 250 psi
• Tooth cracking: repeated mechanical stress
• Tooth sensitivity: loss of the protective layer
• Jaw pain and headache: pressure on the masticatory muscles
• Gum analysis: direct pressure on the gum tissue

Warning signs:

• Morning headache
Jaw or face pain
• Sensitivity of the teeth
• jaw clicking sound
• Visible wear on the teeth

Remediation solutions:

A) Stress Management

• Calmation techniques: meditation, deep breathing
• Regular exercise: reducing stress hormones
• Counseling: cognitive-behavioral therapy

B) Physical protection

• Nightguard: custom night guard
• Splint: for severe cases
• Jaw relaxation exercises: 5-10 minutes daily

C) Behavioral changes

• Awareness: A reminder to relax your jaw
• Note-taking: recording the times of teeth grinding
• Substitute: Chew sugar-free gum

Dr. Sara Kazemi, a specialist in temporomandibular joint disorders, explains:

"Grinding teeth is one of the most destructive habits that damage teeth. Many patients do not realize they are doing this until serious damage has occurred. The key to treatment is to combine stress management with physical protection

2. Squeezing the jaws

Difference with teeth grinding:

• Pressure without wear
• Usually during the day
• Often when concentrating or under stress

damages:

• fatigue of masticatory muscles
• Tension headaches
Jaw joint pain
• increasing sensitivity of teeth

Remediation solutions:

• Visual cues: Notes at work
• Alarm setting: Every hour to check jaw condition
• "Lips closed, teeth apart" exercise: keeping this position
• jaw muscle massage: 2-3 minutes daily

3. Nail biting (onychophagy)

Worrying statistics:

• 20-30% of the general population
• Higher prevalence in young women
• It often starts in childhood

Dental injuries:

• Cracks and lip filling of front teeth: abnormal pressure
• Enamel abrasion: repeated contact with nails
Jaw problems: pressure on the temporomandibular joint
• Infection: transfer of bacteria from the nail to the mouth

Remediation solutions:

a) root treatment

• Identifying the stimuli stress, boredom, perfectionism
• Psychological therapy: CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy
• Support groups: sharing experiences

b) practical solutions

• Bitter Lacquer: Urgent Reminder
• Artificial nail: creating a physical barrier
• Substitute: chewing gum or carrots
• Nail care: regular manicure

C) self-awareness techniques

• Thin gloves: in high-risk situations
• Note-taking: recording times and situations
• Reward: for periods without chewing

4. Chewing non-food objects

Common objects:

• automatic, pencil
• Glasses
• hair pin
• Ice
• tooth gap

Specific damages:

Chewing ice:

• Enamel cracking: extreme temperature difference
• Fractured fillings: direct pressure
• Tooth sensitivity: damage to tooth structure

Automatic chewing:

• Selective wear: special teeth
• Infection: Bacteria on the pen
• jaw problems: asymmetric pressure

Remediation solutions:

• Healthy alternatives: sugar-free gum, crunchy vegetables
• Habit change: keeping the pen away from the mouth
• Awareness: Keep friends and colleagues informed
• Protection of teeth: in severe cases use of protector

Destructive eating habits

1. Frequent consumption of acidic drinks

Dangerous drinks:

• carbonated drinks (pH 2.5-3.5)
• Industrial juices
• Energy drinks
• Wine
• Fruit tea

Damage mechanism (chemical erosion):

Dissolving enamel: phosphoric acid, citric acid
• Tooth sensitivity: loss of the protective layer
• Color change: penetration of pigments into dentin
• Caries: bacteria attack vulnerable dentin

Remediation solutions:

A) reduction in consumption

• Limit: maximum once per day
• Dilute: with water or ice
• Alternative: naturally flavored sparkling water

B) Safe consumption techniques

• Using a straw: reducing contact with the teeth
• Take with food: more saliva for neutralization
• Wash your mouth with water: immediately after consumption
• Waiting for brushing: at least 30 minutes

c) preventive protection

• Anti-erosion toothpaste: with high fluoride
• Fluoride mouthwash: daily
• Sugarless gum: saliva stimulation

2. Eating frequent sweet snacks

Main problem:

• Frequent acid attack: every time you consume sugar
• Insufficient repair time: between promises
Stickiness: Some snacks stick to the teeth

High-risk snacks:

• sticky candy
• Dried fruits
• cakes and sweets
• chips and crackers

Remediation solutions:

A) Nutritional planning

• Regular meals: reducing the need for snacks
• Healthy snacks: cheese, nuts, vegetables
• Timing: eating sweets immediately after the main meal

b) consumption techniques

• Consuming all at once: instead of gradually eating
• Mouth rinse: after consumption
• Chewing sugar-free gum: stimulating saliva

c) healthy alternatives

Hard snacks	Healthy alternatives	Benefits
Gummy candy	Fresh berries	Antioxidant, fiber
Chips	Carrot or cucumber	Vitamin, cleansing texture
Cake	Yogurt Greek	Protein, probiotic
Dessert	Raw nuts	Healthy fat, ingredients mineral

3. Improper use of teeth as tools

Common cases:

• Opening the bottle cap
• Tearing the packaging
• Open the paper clip
• Cutting thread or tape

Possible damages:

• Cracked or broken teeth: Excessive pressure
• Frashed fillings: old restorations
• Damage to the gums: cuts or abrasions
• jaw problems: asymmetric pressure

Remediation solutions:

• Teaching: Teeth are only for chewing food
• Access to appropriate tools: scissors, door opener
• Visual reminder: sticker on the desk
• Reward: for using the right tool

Incorrect hygiene behaviors are part of damaging dental habits

1. Brushing with high pressure

Signs of high pressure:

• Toothbrush worn out in 1-2 months
• Gum analysis
• Sensitivity of the teeth
• Bleeding gums

damages:

• Gum analysis: loss of protective tissue
• Enamel wear: loss of the protective layer of the tooth
• Tooth sensitivity: exposure of dentine
• Infection: gum wounds

Remediation solutions:

A) correct technique

• Soft toothbrush: soft brush with small head
• Angle of 45 degrees: relative to the gum line
• Gentle shaking movements: not intense rubbing
• Enough time: 2 full minutes

B) auxiliary tools

• Electric toothbrush with pressure sensor: warning when pressure is high
• Timer: ensuring enough time
• Mirror: direct observation of the technique

c) educational exercises

• Brushing with the non-dominant hand: reducing pressure
• Using the finger: practicing proper pressure
• Professional feedback: examination by a dentist

2. Improper use of dental floss

Common mistakes:

• Severe saw motion
• pressure on the gums
• Improper dental floss
• Not cleaning all surfaces

damages:

• Gum cut: physical damage
• Gingival analysis: continuous pressure
• Infection: open wounds
• To become ineffective: not to be completely cleaned

Remediation solutions:

A) Correct technique

• Sufficient length: 45-60 cm
• C shape movement: around the teeth
• Gentle sliding: not sudden pressure
• Cleaning all teeth: even the back teeth

b) alternative tools

• Super Floss: for teeth with a short distance
• Trader floss: for bridges and implants
• Interdental toothbrush: for open spaces
• Water flosser: for gum sensitivity

C) Practical training

• Demonstration by the dentist: correct technique
• Exercise with a mirror: direct observation
• Using plaque staining: Efficacy review

3. Excessive use of household bleach

Dangers:

• Tooth sensitivity: damage to dentine
• enamel wear: abrasive materials
• Gum burns: chemicals
• Uneven results: uneven whiteness

Remediation solutions:

• Professional advice: before any whitening
• Approved products: ADA approved
• Exact instructions: Follow the schedule
• Gum care: use of protector

Business and daily habits

1. Holding objects between the teeth

Common cases:

• sewing needle
• nail
• Paper clip
• nails

Risks:

• Selective wear: special teeth
• Tooth crack: sudden pressure
• Accidental ingestion: choking hazard
• Infection: bacteria on objects

Remediation solutions:

• Awareness: Know the risks
• Safe Alternatives: Special Keeper
• Habit Change: Practice Not Using
• Safe working environment: organizing things

2. mouth breathing

Causes:

• nasal obstruction
• Habit
• structural problems

Effect on teeth:

• Dry mouth: reduced salivary protection
• Rot: suitable environment for bacteria
• Bad breath: growth of anaerobic bacteria
• Gum problems: chronic inflammation

Remediation solutions:

A) Treat the root cause

• ENT examination: examination of nasal obstruction
• Allergy treatment: symptom control
• Surgery: in structural cases

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b) breathing exercises

Conscious nasal breathing: 5-10 minutes daily

• Yoga exercises: Pranayama
• Nose strip: help to breathe through the nose at night

c) supportive care

• Humidifier: in the bedroom
• Artificial saliva:
• Sugarless gum: stimulation of saliva production
• Drink enough water: at least 8 glasses a day

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3. Improper body posture while working is one of the destructive habits of teeth

Effect on oral health:

• Pressure on the jaw joint: improper position of the head and neck
• Grinding teeth: stress caused by body position
• Tension headaches: relationship with body position

Remediation solutions:

A) Workplace ergonomics

• Suitable table and chair height: elbow at 90 degree angle
• Low support ergonomic chair
• Monitor position: eye level or slightly lower
• Frequent breaks: every 30 minutes of movement

B) Remedial exercises

Neck stretching: 5-10 minutes daily
• Strengthening the back muscles: suitable exercises
• -sometimes from body position: alarm setting

C) Auxiliary treatments

• Physiotherapy: for chronic problems
• Massage therapy: muscle relaxation
• Acupuncture: reducing tension

sports and leisure habits

1. Sports without mouth guard

High-risk sports:

• Boxing, martial arts
• Hockey, American football
• basketball, volleyball
• Cycling, skating

Possible damages:

• Tooth break: direct impact
• Cut lip or tongue: contact with teeth
• Jaw injury: blow to the chin
• Brain injury: transferred trauma

Remediation solutions:

A) Using a mouth guard

• Best protection custom protector
• Semi-custom guard: adjustable
• Minimum protection ready protector

b) education and awareness

• Training athletes: the importance of mouth protection
• Modeling: professional athletes
• Mandatory rules: in high-risk sports

C) Care of the protector

• regular cleaning: after every use
• Proper storage: in a special box
• Timely replacement: every 1-2 years or after damage

2. Swimming in chlorinated pools

The effect of chlorine on teeth:

• enamel erosion: water acidity
Staining of teeth: chlorine and chemicals
• Tooth sensitivity: loss of enamel

Protection solutions:

• Wash your mouth with water: immediately after swimming
• Brushing: at least 30 minutes after swimming
• Using a mouth guard: during long swims
• Limit time: in highly chlorinated pools

3. Playing wind instruments

High risk instruments:

• Saxophone, clarinet
• trumpet, trombone
• Flute, oboe

Common problems:

• Pressure on the teeth: special condition of the mouth
• Constant pressure jaw problems
• Abrasion of teeth in contact with the oral part

Remediation solutions:

• Special mouth guard: for musicians
• Jaw relaxation exercises: after playing
• Regular dental examinations: monitoring changes
• Correct technique: training by an experienced teacher

21-day program to quit harmful dental habits

Program philosophy:

• Formation of a new habit requires 21 days of repetition
• Focus on one habit at a time
• Regular support and follow-up

Program structure:

• First week: awareness and identification
• Day 1-3: Record the frequency of destructive habits
• Day 4-7: Identifying stimuli and situations

Second week: Substitution and training

• Day 8-14: practice the alternative habit
• Daily practice: 10-15 minutes of conscious practice

Third week: stabilization and integration

• Day 21-15: Integrate the new habit
• Rewards: for small successes

Auxiliaries:

• Habit-Breaking Apps: Tracking Progress
• Support groups: sharing experiences
• Visual reminders: stickers, notes
• Spiritual rewards: not material

The role of the dentist in identifying and treating harmful dental habits

Diagnostic examination:

1. Wear evaluation: tooth wear patterns
2. Gum examination: signs of decay or inflammation
3. Assessment of the jaw joint: sound, movement limitation
4. Questionnaire: identification of possible habits

Specialized treatments:

1. Dental protectors

• Night Guard: for teeth grinding
• Sports protector: customized
• Positional guard: for specific habits

2. Restorative treatments

• Banding: repairing worn teeth
• Veneer: for extensive damage
• Covering: for severely damaged teeth

3. Periodontal treatments

• Gingival grafting: for gingival analysis
• Periodontal surgery: for advanced lesions

4. Orthodontic treatments

• Clear aligners: to correct the position
• Bracket: for severe problems

Training and consulting:

• Training sessions: correct techniques
• Educational brochures: written information
• Regular follow-up: checking progress

Benefit from our specialized services and advice by booking an appointment at Saadat Dentistry right now.

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Prevention of harmful dental habits in children

Common habits of children:

1. Finger sucking: it is normal until 4 years old
2. Long-term use of pacifiers: problematic after 2 years old
3. Chewing objects: pencils, toys
4. teeth grinding: common in sleep

Preventive solutions:

1. Early intervention

• Regular examinations: from 1 year old
• Parent education: Identifying the symptoms
• Timely treatment: before damage occurs

2. Behavioral approaches

• Positive reinforcement: reward for breaking a habit
• Distraction: when you want to have a habit
• Modeling: correct behaviors

3. Utilities

• Bitter flavors: for finger sucking
• Orthodontic pacifier: suitable design
• Mouth guard: for teeth grinding

Collaboration with experts:

• Child Psychologist: For Deep Habits
• Speech therapist: for sucking problems
• Orthodontist: for dental problems

Assistive technologies to quit habits

1. Mobile applications

• Tracking habits: record times
• Reminder: regular alerts
• Reporting: Progress Analysis
• Supportive community: connecting with others

2. Wearable devices

Jaw sensors: teeth grinding detection

Vibrating bracelets: habit warning

Virtual Reality Solutions: Teaching Techniques

3. Biofeedback tools

• EMG sensors: jaw muscle activity
• Momentary feedback: awareness of tension
• Targeted exercises to reduce muscle activity

4. Digital treatments

• Online CBT Programs: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Remote consultation: access to experts
• Online support groups: sharing experiences

Conclusion

Dental bad habits are silent enemies that gradually and without obvious pain, damage oral health. The good news is that with awareness, determination and proper guidance, you can quit these habits and prevent further damage.

Key points to remember:

• Awareness is the first step: many habits are unconscious
• Early treatment is more effective: act before serious damage occurs
• A multimodal approach: combining dental treatment with behavioral change
• Professional support: the dentist can be the best guide
• Patience: Quitting a habit requires time and practice

Dental health is an investment that is maintained with daily care. By identifying and leaving harmful dental habits, you will not only prevent future treatment costs, but also improve your quality of life.

Are you worried about daily habits that may damage your teeth? Specialized Dental Clinic Saadat uses a comprehensive approach to identify and treat harmful dental habits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my habits are damaging my teeth?

Warning signs:
– Teeth sensitivity to cold or heat
– Morning headaches
– Jaw or face pain
– Visible wear on teeth
– Gingivitis
– Cracked or filling teeth

Can the damage caused by destructive dental habits be treated?

Yes, with appropriate treatment:
– Mild wear: fluoride treatment, habit change
– Moderate wear: bonding, veneer
– Severe wear: extraction, root canal treatment
– Gingivitis: gingival band
– Jaw problems: physiotherapy, splint

How long will it take to break a bad dental habit?

Approximate timing:
– Awareness: 1-2 weeks
– Replacement:-4 weeks
– Consolidation: 3 months
– Full integration:-6 months
Note: The older the habit, the longer it will take to break it.

Are there drugs to stop habits like teeth grinding?

In severe cases, it may be prescribed:
- Muscle relaxants: o reduce tension
- Anti-anxiety: if stress is the main factor
- Botox: for chewing muscle strength
- Note: All medications should be taken under the supervision of a doctor

How can I help my child stop finger sucking?

Step-by-step solutions: 1. Understanding the cause: stress, boredom, need to relax
2. Healthy alternatives: toys, blankets
3. Positive reinforcement: dash for progress
4. Auxiliary tools: bitter flavors
5. Patience: don't push