Maintaining healthy teeth and gums involves brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings.
Dr. Matthew Messina, clinical director and assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, emphasizes that “it may not sound exciting or surprising, but it is the best solution to avoid cavities and gum disease.”
Here are some good and bad habits that experts recommend starting or stopping.
Bad Habit: Using a toothbrush or toothpaste containing charcoal
Although charcoal toothbrushes and toothpastes may be effective in whitening teeth, these benefits come at a cost.
Messina explains: “Charcoal is a very abrasive material. It whitens teeth by removing the outer layer of tooth enamel.”
Enamel is the hard tissue that covers and protects teeth. Although removing a thin layer of enamel may provide temporary whitening, losing this layer over time weakens the teeth and can lead to discoloration, cracks, cavities, and other problems.
He adds: “The body doesn’t produce more tooth enamel, so anything we do that erodes it is a bad idea.”
Good Habit: Brushing teeth gently with a soft brush
Using a toothbrush with hard bristles and brushing forcefully can erode enamel, cause gum recession, and damage teeth.
Dr. Natalie Peterson, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, says: “People generally tend to brush their teeth too hard, which can injure the teeth and gums. If your toothbrush bristles are splayed or spread apart during brushing, you are pressing too hard.”
Bad Habit: Drinking sports drinks, soft drinks, and flavored coffee
Sugar “spoils the teeth.” More specifically, studies have shown that sugary foods and drinks help the growth of oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Acidic foods and drinks are also harmful.
Dr. Frank Scannapieco, professor of oral biology at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, explains that “acid erodes tooth enamel, which can cause significant damage over time.”
Sports drinks, energy drinks, and soft drinks are high in acids and sugars, which poses a double threat to teeth. Dr. Scannapieco adds: “Even sugar-free soft drinks contain high levels of acids. If you have one of them a day, it’s not a big problem, but having them throughout the day will significantly increase the risk of tooth erosion.”
Good Habit: Rinsing with water
Washing the mouth with water immediately after eating or drinking helps neutralize acidity, remove sugar residue, and eliminate types of bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath.
Messina says: “Especially if you have eaten or drank something sweet or acidic, rinsing with water afterwards will be beneficial. This simple procedure is enough to neutralize any harm.”
Good Habit: Postponing brushing after meals
Messina explained that:
* Brushing tooth enamel after it has been temporarily softened by acids and sugars can lead to its erosion.
* If you can wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth, that will be better for them.
* During this period, tooth enamel will be remineralized as the effect of the acid wears off.
* But the bacteria will still be there unless we remove them with brushing and flossing.
