Here Are 4 Common Habits That May Be Damaging Your Oral Health

Written by Dr. McConnell on Jul 21, 2020

If you are looking for a way to improve the efficacy of your daily oral hygiene routine, it may be time to look at your daily habits. Sometimes the little things that we do day to day make a big difference when it comes to you smile.

Our Novato dentists are going to be sharing four very common habits that might be hurting your smile. Once you have this information, you can tweak your daily routine to maintain optimal oral health. 

Brushing at the wrong time

Keep in mind that dental enamel is temporarily softened for about one half hour after you eat or drink sugary/acidic substances. You don’t want to brush your teeth right after eating or drinking because you can inadvertently buff away healthy enamel. So, wait at least 30 minutes to clean your smile!

Chomping on harmful treats

Chewing on hard candies, mints, and ice can create mini cracks in your enamel; while this damage may be invisible to the naked eye, it makes it easier for oral bacteria to infiltrate your teeth.

Consuming continuously

Because oral bacteria remain active and feeding on sugars/refined carbohydrates for twenty to thirty minutes, it is actually better to indulge in a sweet or acidic treat in one sitting, rather than in little bits throughout the day. By pre-planning your snacks and meals, you can minimize the amount of time that bacteria are able to thrive.

Choosing problematic beverages

Many of the drinks that we think of as healthy are actually hard on our teeth. Fruit juices, sports drinks, and tea, for example, are often quite acidic and full of sugars. Whenever possible, choose water—your smile will thank you!

Do you see yourself represented on this list? Give our Novato dentists a call to get more information about ways you can tweak your routine to protect your smile. Give us a call to get started!