What Dentists in Fort Erie & Ridgeway Want You to Know
Your smile is one of your most powerful assets—but even with daily brushing and flossing, some common everyday habits can quietly cause damage to your teeth over time. At Inigo Dentistry in Fort Erie and Ridgeway, ON, Dr. Inigo helps patients identify and break these harmful behaviors before they lead to bigger problems like tooth wear, cracks, or gum recession.
We are dedicated to keeping our patients smiling confidently with healthy teeth and gums for life. If you’re concerned about tooth sensitivity, unexpected wear, or unexplained discomfort, one of these habits could be the cause.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, call our Fort Erie dental office at 905-871-2903 or our Ridgeway dental office at 905-894-5555 to schedule a dental evaluation with our dentist near you. We also proudly serve patients from Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, and surrounding communities.
Which Bad Habits Cause Tooth Damage?
1. Nail Biting
It may seem harmless, but biting your nails puts serious pressure on your teeth, especially the front ones. Over time, this habit can cause chipping, cracking, and even jaw discomfort due to prolonged tension.
Why It Matters: Nail biting can wear down enamel and increase your risk of infection by introducing bacteria into your mouth. It can also lead to uneven tooth edges and weaken the structure of your front teeth.
Protect Your Smile: Try keeping your nails trimmed and using a bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage the habit. Stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or fidget tools may help.
2. Chewing on Ice or Hard Objects
Do you find yourself chewing on ice cubes, pens, or hard candy? While it may feel satisfying, this behavior puts your enamel at risk and can lead to hairline cracks, worn surfaces, or even dental emergencies like fractured teeth.
Why It Matters: Even if your teeth seem strong, repeated exposure to hard substances can wear them down and make them more vulnerable to breakage or temperature sensitivity. Chewing on hard objects can expose the dentin and stimulate the nerve endings inside the tooth, leading to pain and discomfort.
Protect Your Smile: Avoid chewing on non-food objects. If you like cold or crunchy snacks, opt for chilled veggies like carrots or cucumbers instead.
3. Using Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth as tools to open packages, twist bottle caps, or tear tape can result in damage that’s both immediate and irreversible. Your teeth aren’t built for this type of pressure, and misuse can lead to chips or fractures.
Why It Matters: One wrong move can crack or dislodge a tooth, leading to an unexpected emergency dental visit.
Protect Your Smile: Keep scissors or the right tool nearby and resist the urge to use your teeth as a substitute.
4. Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without realizing it. Teeth grinding is a common cause of tooth sensitivity and enamel damage, as the repeated pressure can wear down the protective layer of your teeth. This involuntary habit often goes unnoticed until symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, or flattened teeth appear.
Why It Matters: Chronic grinding wears down enamel, causes stress fractures in teeth, and can even lead to TMJ dysfunction.
Protect Your Smile: A custom night guard from Dr. Inigo can help prevent further damage and relieve discomfort. If stress is a trigger, relaxation techniques or physical therapy may also be helpful.
5. Frequent Snacking or Sugary Drinks
Constant snacking—especially on starchy or sugary foods—can fuel harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to decay and erosion. Sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day can be equally damaging.
Why It Matters: Each time you eat or drink, acid levels in your mouth rise, weakening enamel and increasing the risk of cavities. Enamel acts as a protective barrier for your teeth, shielding them from damage caused by eating and exposure to different types of foods and beverages.
Protect Your Smile: Stick to regular meals, rinse with water after snacks, and limit sugary or acidic beverages. If you do indulge, try to drink through a straw and avoid brushing immediately after acidic foods to prevent enamel wear.
When to See a Fort Erie or Ridgeway Dentist About Tooth Damage
Some dental damage is visible, but much of it happens slowly and silently. If you notice symptoms like:
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort
- Chipping or uneven edges
- Jaw tension or frequent headaches
- Worn or flattened teeth
…it’s time to schedule a dental exam with a Fort Erie dentist. Early detection can save you from more invasive procedures down the road.
How Inigo Dentistry Helps You Break Bad Habits and Protect Your Smile
At Inigo Dentistry, we believe that prevention is the best approach. During your visit, Dr. Inigo will assess your teeth and bite, ask about your habits, and provide practical advice tailored to your lifestyle. If damage has already occurred, we offer restorative and cosmetic solutions to rebuild and protect your smile.
From custom night guards to professional dental cleanings and habit counseling, we’re here to help you maintain healthy teeth for life.
The Hidden Consequences: What These Habits Do to Your Teeth
If you’re already experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are treatment options available. Desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride treatments can help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce discomfort. For more advanced cases, cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental bonding or professional teeth whitening can restore the appearance and function of your teeth. Recent dental procedures, such as fluoride treatments or dental bonding, are designed to repair enamel erosion and protect against further damage.
Left untreated, enamel erosion and gum recession can lead to more serious dental issues, including root canal infections, dry mouth, and even tooth loss. That’s why preventive care and regular dental visits are so important. Our whole dental team in Ridgeway and Fort Erie is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. We offer a full range of dental services near Niagara Falls—from gum grafting treatment to teeth whitening—to address your unique needs and help you achieve optimal oral health.
By understanding the hidden consequences of everyday habits, you can take proactive steps to protect your teeth. Use fluoride products, avoid acidic foods and drinks, and be mindful of the pressure you apply while brushing. If you notice any signs of sensitivity or discomfort, don’t wait—schedule a dental visit to discuss treatment options and prevent further damage. With the right care and guidance, you can reduce sensitivity, strengthen tooth enamel, and keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.
Think You Might Be Harming Your Smile? Let’s Talk!
Many patients don’t realize that small daily habits can lead to big dental problems over time, but we’re here to help. At Inigo Dentistry, we offer comprehensive exams and personalized advice to identify early signs of tooth damage and get you back on the path to a healthier smile. We provide common treatments for tooth sensitivity and other dental concerns, and we encourage you to consult with us to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Whether you’re dealing with worn enamel, jaw tension, or chipped teeth, we’ll create a care plan that protects your oral health for the long term.
We welcome patients from Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, Ridgeway, and nearby Ontario communities. To schedule your dental appointment in Ontario, call our Fort Erie office at 905-871-2903 or our Ridgeway office at 905-894-5555 today. Relief is just a call away.