A diet that's too high in sugar
Sugar is one the main contributors of tooth decay. Sugar and bacteria combine to produce acid that causes cavities.

What can you do?
Adding less sugar to coffee and tea, drinking less sweet soft drinks may help to reduce the chance of tooth decay. Chewing on sugarless gum or fibrous fruits and vegetables promotes saliva flow which helps to clean your teeth. Most importantly, brushing your teeth after eating a sugary snack is the best way to keep your teeth healthy.

Brushing your teeth too hard
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard can cause your gums to recede over time.

What can you do?
Buy a soft-bristled toothbrush Start below the gums line, keep your brush on an angle and use soft, circular motions when brushing. Take your time -- Brush longer, not harder

Toothpicks
Toothpicks are great for impaling and removing food stuck in teeth. But we often end up poking sensitive gums or shoving debris even further out of reach.

What can you do?
If using a toothpick, scrape from the gums towards the tooth surfaces. For food stuck underneath your gums, use dental floss instead of a toothpick. Dental floss, although more difficult to use, is a better way to clean in between your teeth and around the gums.

Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of tartar build-up on teeth. Apart from being bad for your general health, smoking can lead to gum disease, discolouration of teeth and bad breath.

What can you do?
Try to stop smoking or reduce the amount you smoke. See your doctor about getting help to quit smoking. See a dentist more regularly for cleanings.

Chewing ice cubes (and other hard stuff)
Even a seemingly harmless habit like chewing on ice can be dangerous to your teeth. Teeth are hard, but will not last a lifetime if you abuse them.

What can you do?
Substitute ice for something softer, like chewing gum. If you do break a tooth, see the dentist right away.