You may not put much thought into how your everyday habits are affecting your teeth, but certain behaviors can increase your risk for several oral health issues. Your choice of drink at lunch, or your habit of chewing on a pen when you are lost in thought, can harm your teeth. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, and scheduling routine checkups and dental cleanings, can help keep your teeth in great shape. However, these efforts can be undermined by diet choices and habits that can put you at risk for a range of problems.

Drinking Too Many Soft Drinks

Soft drinks tend to be high in sugar, which will increase your cavity risk. Plaque reacts with sugar and produces acids that hurt your enamel, and eventually erode it; if this occurs, your tooth will need to be restored by your dentist. They also tend to be acidic, and can soften your enamel. This softening lowers your defense against cavities. It also leaves you more vulnerable to tooth stains, which may need professional treatment.

Chewing On Hard Surfaces

Chewing on items like ice cubes, pens, or hard candies can lead to a dental emergency, such as a chipped or cracked tooth. If a crack has exposed your tooth’s pulp, your dentist may need to perform a root canal treatment to address any infection.

Bruxism

Because bruxism often occurs unconsciously, and during sleep, you may not be aware that you are doing it at all. If your teeth have become sensitive, or appear dull or damaged, you may be grinding your teeth at night. In addition to harming your teeth, bruxism can also cause TMJ dysfunction, and painful headaches.