We all know that sugar, smoking and poor oral hygiene can damage our teeth, but there are other factors that we may not be aware of that can also harm our dental health. Here are 10 uncommon factors that can damage your teeth:.

1. Medications

Some medications can cause dry mouth, which leads to a decrease in saliva production.

Saliva is important for neutralizing the acid produced by the bacteria in our mouths, and when there’s not enough of it, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Common medications that can cause dry mouth include antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics.

2. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and even reach the mouth. This acid can erode tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.

It’s important to manage acid reflux and discuss with your dentist on how to protect your teeth from the acid.

3. Chewing Ice

While chewing ice may be a habit for some, it can cause microfractures in your teeth, which can weaken them or cause them to break. This can also lead to a dental emergency if a large enough fracture is created.

Be sure to avoid chewing hard or crunchy objects to reduce the risk of damaging your teeth.

4. Oral Piercings

Tongue piercings, lip piercings, and cheek piercings may look cool, but they can cause damage to your teeth. Constantly biting down on metal jewelry can crack or chip your teeth, and the metal can also irritate your gums and cause gum recession.

This can also lead to infections and other oral health problems.

5. Athlete’s Foot Spray

While athlete’s foot spray may help kill fungal infections on your feet, it’s not meant to be ingested or sprayed in your mouth. Some people may accidentally inhale the spray or even intentionally spray it in their mouth to freshen their breath.

This can lead to irritation in the mouth, tongue, and on the gums, as well as tooth decay.

6. Brushing Too Hard

While brushing your teeth is important for good oral hygiene, brushing too hard can actually harm your teeth and gums. Brushing too hard can wear down your tooth enamel, which can make your teeth sensitive.

It can also cause your gums to recede, making your teeth appear longer and exposing the roots.

7. Diet Soda

Diet soda may be low in sugar, but it’s high in acid, which can erode tooth enamel.

Unlike sugary soda, which is also harmful to teeth because of the sugar, diet soda is often sipped over a longer period of time, which exposes the teeth to more acid. If you must drink soda, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help neutralize the acid.

8. Desk Job

If you have a desk job and sit for long periods of time, you may be at an increased risk for tooth decay.

This is due to the fact that you’re not swallowing as often, which means that food particles can stay in your mouth and feed the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Try to get up and move around more often during the day to stimulate saliva flow.

9. Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can wear down your tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. It can also cause headaches, jaw pain, and even lead to tooth fractures.

If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about treatment options such as a mouthguard.

10. Binge Drinking

Binge drinking can have many negative effects on your health, and your dental health is no exception. Alcohol can cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Alcohol can also erode tooth enamel, and the acid from drinks mixed with soda can do even more damage. Be sure to drink water and brush your teeth after drinking alcohol to help counteract the negative effects.