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Updated March 13, 2015.

Just like there are habits that keep some fit, successful and happy there are habits that keep our smiles fit, healthy and happy as well. Some of these habits include, flossing, brushing, wearing a night guard and visiting the dentist regularly. 

On the flip side there are habits that contribute to an unhealthy smile or teeth and bite problems. Here are some of the habits that can potentially ruin your smile.


 

1. Smoking.

Smoking causes all sorts of havoc in the body.  We all know it can increase your chances of heart disease, lung disease and cancer. In order to get to all those other organs it first has to pass through your lips, tongue and mouth. Smoking starts at the mouth and can cause major damage to your smile. It increases the chances of cavities. People who smoke have a 3 times higher chance of developing decay. It dries out your mouth increases the chances of bad breath and gum disease. Smokers have a harder time healing from any sort of surgery including mouth and teeth surgeries. Let's not forget one of the most obvious ruining effects of smoking-yellow teeth! Over the years smokers smiles will darken and the cracks in their teeth will stain making it very hard to whiten. Smoking also greatly increases your chances of oral cancer. If you are a smoker, ask your dentist to do an oral cancer screening at your next dental visit.  

2.Chewing Ice.

This is a habit lots of people enjoy but it can crack your teeth causing permanent chipping of your healthy smile.

 

3. Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are very popular today and can cause damage to your smile. They are very acidic in nature and can cause enamel erosion when used regularly. Once the enamel of your teeth -the hard white outer portion- is gone, the more yellow under layer (dentin) is exposed. Dentin is much softer and can be chipped, worn or cracked much easier than healthy enamel.  Avoid these drinks or drink water afterwards.

4.Using your teeth as tools.

Using your teeth as tools to open bottles, bags or anything else can cause permanent damage to your smile. People tend to use their front teeth for this and they are not designed to handle that kind of stress. This makes them chip or weaken with cracks that break later. Never use your teeth as a tool, it never ends well for your smile.

5. Hard candy

Some people suck on hard candy to freshen their breath or have a small treat. Hard candy has sugar that then sits on your teeth until the candy dissolves. This leaves a sugary cavity friendly zone in your mouth for a longer amount of time. Also some people tend to chew rock candy which can crack your teeth and cause micro fractures that will cause future problems.

6. No Sports Guards.

Many people who play contact sports don't use a mouth guard to protect their smiles. Just taking a minute to place one of these in your mouth before playing your sport of choice can make a difference between no tooth damage or a horrible accident that can cause years of damage and unnecessary dentistry. There have even been studies done that prove these guards can maybe help with concussions. There are a variety of sports guards available on the market but a custom guard made by your dentist can improve your protection factor. 

7. Not Flossing.

A lot of people are guilty of this habit and it is a very easy one to change. If more people knew how much unnecessary dentistry could be avoided by just flossing once a day, they probably would add flossing to their regiment. Flossing removes the bacteria and food products from between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Removing this bacteria once a day will improve your bad breath, increase your gum health and reduce the amount of cavities you can get. If your gums are bleeding, they are not healthy. Healthy gums never bleed. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation and infection. Visit your dentist and start flossing.