Dental experts are warning that a common daily habit could be silently destroying your teeth - and it's not what most people expect.
Dr Andrej Bozic has identified frequent snacking throughout the day as one of the most overlooked causes of tooth decay.
"Most people know sugar is bad for their teeth," he said. "But what matters is how often your teeth are exposed to it."
Dr Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, explained that every time you eat, your mouth becomes more acidic and your tooth enamel softens.
Foods like crackers can contribute to tooth damage when consumed regularly
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This creates a vulnerable environment for your teeth, especially if you're grazing throughout the day.
"If you're eating every hour or two, you're keeping your teeth in a vulnerable state all day long," Dr Bozic warned.
Even those who think they're making healthy choices could be causing long-term damage to their dental health.
The problem isn't limited to obvious culprits like sweets and fizzy drinks, according to Dr Bozic.
"People think grabbing a handful of dried fruit or a protein bar between meals is harmless," he said.
Foods like crackers, fruit, granola bars and even smoothies can all contribute to tooth damage when consumed frequently.
"These foods stick to your teeth or turn to sugar quickly - and they're often eaten on the go, without brushing after," Dr Bozic explained.
He recommended sticking to three meals a day with no more than one snack and noted that drinking water between meals instead of sugary drinks can help protect teeth.
"If you need a snack, try to have it all at once rather than nibbling over an hour," he advised.
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Drinking water between meals can protect teeth
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He also suggested rinsing with water afterwards to wash away food particles. Chewing sugar-free gum between meals can help neutralise acid and boost saliva production, giving your mouth time to recover.
The good news is that protecting your teeth doesn't require drastic lifestyle changes.
"You don't have to cut out snacks completely," Dr Bozic added. "But limiting how often you eat - and choosing snacks that don't cling to your teeth - makes a huge difference."
Your mouth needs recovery time between eating, something constant snackers rarely provide their teeth.
