Our Mill Valley Dentists Review 5 Common Habits That Affect Your Smile

Written by Dr. McConnell on Jul 28, 2020

If you are ready to take your oral health to the next level, you may benefit from tweaking your daily habits and routines a little bit. With that in mind, our Mill Valley dentists have put together this article of 5 common habits that may lead to dental issues. Let’s get started! 

Brushing at the Wrong Time

It is always a good idea to, after eating and drinking, wait for twenty to thirty minutes before brushing your teeth. Dental enamel becomes temporarily softer when it is exposed to acidic substances. By waiting to brush your teeth, you are allowing your enamel to re-mineralize.

Skipping Floss

The ADA recommends that patients floss at least once a day, ideally when you clean your smile at night. Additionally, it is much healthier for your smile if you clear way dental debris with floss, rather than using metal or wooden toothpicks, because toothpicks can irritate and damage oral tissues.

Snacking or Sipping All Day

The more often you expose your smile to foods and drinks other than water, you allow oral bacteria to feed on sugars and, ultimately, multiply. So, sipping on one soda continuously throughout the day is actually more harmful than drinking it one sitting. Indulge responsibly!

Stressing Your Enamel

Putting too much pressure on your enamel will weaken it. There are two ways that this generally happens: either by chewing on hard candies, mints, and ice, or by chronically grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.  

Using Any Old Brush

Not all toothbrushes are created equal! Pay attention to the bristle strength of your toothbrush. Most patients will be able to thoroughly and safely clean their smiles with a soft-bristled brush, and using bristles that are too firm can actually damage gums and erode enamel. Talk to your dental team if you aren’t sure what is best for you. 

To learn more, and to schedule a personal consultation, please feel free to reach out to our Mill Valley dentists! You can use the Contact Us page on our website, or just give us a call to get started.