Bad habits exist everywhere – in every part of life – but they are preventable. This is especially true when it comes to your teeth. Treating them with care is one of the most important things you can ever do. And just as brushing your teeth is a habit for most of us, so are these bad habits that you should look to avoid.Let’s get straight into it.Don’t Munch on Ice CubesAlthough it doesn’t contain sugar, and is completely natural, it might appear to be harmless. Chomping on large chunks of ice, however, can cause considerable damage to your teeth. Always Wear a Mouth GuardRegardless of the contact sport you play, don’t get in the game without a mouth guard. They’re self-fitting pieces of plastic that protect your teeth should a bump occur, and they can save you thousands in dental bills, and a large amount of pain.Avoid Biting Tongue Piercings It might look cool, but tongue piercings can crack your teeth when biting down on them. Additionally, when metal rubs against your gums, they are also prone to damage. This can lead to eventual teeth loss and even sores and infections.Beware of Cough DropsAlso known as throat lozenges, these seemingly harmless lollies do actually contain high amounts of sugar and are not good for your teeth. Keep this in mind next time you have a sore throat, and remember to brush your teeth afterwards.Don’t Eat Gummy Bears!Gummy bears – while they do taste great – stick to your teeth and gums, making them very difficult to remove. When the acids from these treats stick to your teeth they can damage the enamel.Stay Away From SodaMost of us are well aware of the damage that soda or softdrink can have due to the high amount of sugar. But did you know that soda also contains phosphoric and citric acids? These two elements can have a terrible impact upon your teeth enamel.Don’t Use Your Teeth to Open Packets or BottlesThis is one bad habit that really frightens dentists. You’d be surprised at how many people think it’s convenient to open bottles and packets with their teeth. Use a bottle opened or scissors instead – and you will decrease your chance of chipped or broken teeth.Don’t be Fooled by JuiceWhile fruit juice is usually packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, they do often contain a high amount of sugar. You should either look for juice that contains no added sugar (juice is naturally sweet anyway!) or water down your juice in order to reduce the amount of sugar being consumed.Don’t Chew on Your PencilsThis one is an old habit – but still, one that is still practised today. Similar to chomping on ice, chewing your pencil can lead to cracking in your teeth. Try sugarless chewing gum instead!What bad habits do you do that could affect your teeth? Let us know!If you’ve decided that it really is time to make that leap and go to the dentist, give Wisdom Dental a call on 1300 217 858.