Don't open things with your teeth(01 of13)
Open Image ModalEspecially bottles or wrappers.Using your teeth as a can opener or chewing on pens, ice, or popcorn kernels can dull and even crack your teeth. (credit:Dmitrijs Dmitrijevs via Getty Images)
Give children water before bed(02 of13)
Open Image ModalDon’t let your child go to bed with a bottle in his or her mouth containing anything but plain water. Milk, formula, and juices can cause what’s known as baby bottle tooth decay when they remain on a child’s teeth for extended periods. (credit:PhotoAlto/Ale Ventura via Getty Images)
Don't suck your thumb(03 of13)
Open Image ModalYes, some adults suck their thumbs. But don't, as it will damage tooth alignment. Also dummies (pacifiers) or bottles for children past the age of two are just as bad. (credit:Ulf Borjesson via Getty Images)
Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco(04 of13)
Open Image ModalThey not only discolor and weaken your teeth but can lead to gum disease and oral cancer. (credit:john_mitropoulos via Getty Images)
Always clean your teeth before bed(05 of13)
Open Image ModalDon’t go to sleep without brushing and flossing. The plaque will remain on your teeth for an extended period, making you more vulnerable to gingivitis (gum inflammation). Most research shows that if you disrupt or remove plaque and the bacteria it harbors within twenty-four hours, it does not have time to produce enough acid to damage your teeth. At a minimum, once a day is a must! (credit:Christopher Robbins via Getty Images)
Avoid DIY tooth-whitening products(06 of13)
Open Image ModalAvoid using OTC tooth-whitening products without your dentist’s guidance. These tooth-whitening products are not regulated by the FDA or American Dental Association because they’re considered cosmetic, so there’s no guarantee they are safe or effective. Plus you may not be a good candidate for whitening, even if they do work. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc.. via Getty Images)
Avoid chewing gum and lollipops - unless they're sugar free(07 of13)
Open Image ModalDon’t chew gum or suck lollipops all day—unless they are sugar-free. This includes any substance that will bathe your teeth in sugar for extended periods. When it comes to sugar-free products, I recommend you also avoid aspartame because of all the controversy about possible health risks. (credit:Mieke Dalle via Getty Images)
Avoid super-abrasive toothpaste(08 of13)
Open Image ModalSure, it may remove the stain, but it may take part of your tooth along with it. (credit:wsfurlan via Getty Images)
Don't bite your nails(09 of13)
Open Image ModalYou can wear your teeth down and chip off the edges. (credit:Hans Neleman via Getty Images)
Wear your retainer(10 of13)
Open Image ModalDon’t even think about not wearing your retainer after having braces or other orthodontic treatment. Without the retainer, your teeth will almost certainly return to their original place. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)
Don't use somebody else's toothbrush(11 of13)
Open Image ModalIt harbours foreign bacteria that can harm you. (credit:Adam Gault via Getty Images)
Avoid tongue piercings(12 of13)
Open Image ModalTongue piercing can cause excessive drooling; infection, pain, and swelling; chipped teeth; increased saliva flow; and nerve damage. And in many cases the trauma of the stud or ring gently but repeatedly hitting the lower front teeth can cause the teeth to fall out. (credit:James F. Dean via Getty Images)
Brush and floss before your dental appointment(13 of13)
Open Image ModalNever show up to your dentist’s office without brushing and flossing. Brush before you come in! The whole office will appreciate it. (credit:Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images)