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7 bad habits that wreck your teeth

From sipping sugary sodas to chewing on pen caps, some common habits are terrible for your teeth.


LearnDental health7 bad habits that wreck your teeth
Sugary treats
Acidic foods and drinks
Tooth staining drinks
Grinding your teeth
Whitening too much
Scrubbing your teeth
Crunching ice, chewing pen caps

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Want a healthy, white smile? Things you may be doing everyday could ruin your chances. Now, it’s no surprise that if you don’t brush or floss enough—twice a day for brushing, once a day for flossing—you’ll probably be out of the running for prettiest smile on your block. But what you drink, eat and even how you take care of your choppers could be damaging them, too. Check out these ways you could be wrecking your teeth.

Written by Jordan Lawson.
Medically reviewed by Mark Arredondo, MD.July, 2025
Updated onOctober, 2026
Written by Jordan Lawson.
Medically reviewed by Mark Arredondo, MD.July, 2025
Updated onOctober, 2026
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