Healthy teeth are a sign of overall physical well-being and personal hygiene. However, over 25% of individuals nationwide grapple with untreated tooth decay. Hence, oral health and hygiene should be as important as other aspects of physical health. Besides going for regular dental checkups and consulting a dentist regarding any dental issues promptly, one should avoid certain unhealthy habits, which can damage one’s teeth and impede the management of existing oral conditions: 1. Biting one’s nails Biting one’s nails is often an indication of stress or anxiety. Besides damaging one’s nails and the surrounding skin, biting one’s nails can also harm dental health in the long run. Fingernails are typically petri dishes of germs and dirt, which are transferred to the teeth when one engages in nail biting. The accumulation of such agents on the teeth’s surfaces over time can lead to gum disease. Moreover, the friction caused between one’s teeth and nails during nail biting can eventually cause enamel to wear away, triggering tooth brittleness. Therefore, it is important to avoid cultivating this habit early on to prevent dental problems. Managing stress levels is an effective way to prevent one from biting one’s nails. 2. Having excess processed sugar Sugar has been commonly linked to tooth pain and decay.