Habits That Harm Little Teeth
Kids pick up all sorts of habits as they grow—and while many are harmless, some can quietly damage their teeth over time. Nail biting, chewing on pencils, and even using teeth to open things may seem like small behaviors, but they can lead to bigger dental problems down the road.
Here’s what parents should know about these common habits, how they affect your child’s teeth, and what you can do to help break them.
Nail Biting
Many kids bite their nails out of nervousness, boredom, or simple habit. Over time, though, this can:
Chip or wear down enamel.
Push teeth out of alignment.
Transfer bacteria from fingers into the mouth, increasing the risk of infection or illness.
How to help: Keep nails trimmed short, encourage stress-relief alternatives (like fidget toys or playdough), and praise your child when they go a whole day without biting. Sometimes applying a safe, bitter-tasting nail polish can also help discourage the habit.
Chewing on Pencils, Toys, or Other Objects
Many children chew on non-food items—like pencil erasers, toy ends, or fingernails—especially during homework time or when concentrating. While it might look harmless, this habit can:
Wear down enamel or cause small cracks.
Put uneven pressure on teeth and jaw joints.
Increase the risk of chipping front teeth.
How to help: Offer safe alternatives, like sugar-free gum or silicone chewable pencil toppers made for sensory needs. Encourage breaks during homework and remind your child to keep non-food items out of their mouth.
Using Teeth as Tools
Children (and adults!) sometimes use their teeth to tear open packages or bite off tags. This might seem quick and easy, but it can:
Crack or chip teeth.
Damage dental work like sealants or fillings.
Injure gums or soft tissue.
How to help: Keep small scissors nearby for opening things, and gently remind your child that “teeth are for eating and smiling, not for tools.”
Thumb or Finger Sucking (in Older Kids)
Thumb sucking is common and normal in toddlers, but when it continues past age 4 or 5, it can start to affect how the teeth and jaws grow. Prolonged sucking can lead to:
Misaligned teeth or bite issues.
Changes in the roof of the mouth.
Speech difficulties in some cases.
How to help: Avoid punishment—focus on positive reinforcement. Praise progress and provide gentle reminders. For stubborn habits, your pediatric dentist can suggest custom solutions like a mouth appliance or habit-reminder therapy.
Related Article: How to Handle Dental Emergencies
Encouraging Healthier Habits
Breaking habits takes time and patience, but consistency and encouragement go a long way. Here are a few general tips:
Talk openly about why the habit can hurt their teeth, using simple, age-appropriate language.
Set small goals and celebrate progress.
Keep dental checkups consistent—your child’s dentist can help track any changes and provide extra support.
Related Article: How Parents Can Model Great Oral Health Habits at Home
At All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that habits are part of growing up. Our team is here to guide families through these small challenges so every child can grow up with a strong, healthy smile.