Many of us know that eating a healthy, plant-based diet and staying active can lower the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. However, we often overlook how our daily habits impact our dental health, aside from brushing twice a day. Dentists emphasize that understanding both the positive and negative impacts of certain habits on our teeth is just as important.
“Knowing is half the battle,” says Dr. Kartik Antani, DMD, of Napa Family Dental in Albuquerque. “If you want to avoid long-term dental issues, it’s important to understand how different habits can harm your teeth.”
Dr. Antani explains that being informed about dental health helps you make better choices and develop habits that support healthy teeth, preventing problems like gum disease and cavities. He and other experts warn that a common mistake made in the morning could be damaging your dental health, and they share tips on how to avoid it.
Here’s something you might not expect: Avoid brushing your teeth right after breakfast.
“Brushing too soon after eating, especially after consuming acidic foods or drinks, can harm your enamel,” Dr. Antani explains. “Acids temporarily soften the enamel, and brushing immediately afterward can cause it to wear down faster.”
Dr. Naomi Goldman, DMD, a cosmetic and restorative dentist at Levy Goldman Dentistry, adds that breakfast foods like coffee, citrus fruits, and orange juice are common acidic foods. She also emphasizes that enamel is permanent and can’t be replaced once it’s gone.
So, while it may be tempting to brush your teeth right after eating, it’s best to wait. The enamel erosion caused by brushing too soon can make your teeth more vulnerable to problems like cavities and sensitivity, according to Dr. Marie M. Jackson, DMD, a general dentist and owner of Stellar Smile Center in New Jersey.
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