5 Oral Hygiene Habits to Break

SHAPE magazine

Think you know what it takes to have clean teeth and a healthy mouth? You'd be surprised which of your habits could be harming your oral hygiene. Here are five habits to break today. Go ahead, smile--your teeth will thank you!

Don't brush too hard!
Don't brush too hard!

1. Brushing too hard
Using a firm-bristled toothbrush and too much pressure to clean teeth can permanently wear away protective enamel (triggering tooth sensitivity and cavities) and cause receding gums. Instead, use a soft brush and gentle, circular scrubbing motions for two minutes at least twice a day. When buying a toothbrush, consider that compact heads move most easily around small mouths and long, flexible handles are best for reaching back molars.






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Using the wrong toothbrush can damage your gums.
Using the wrong toothbrush can damage your gums.

2. Using the wrong toothpaste
Some toothpastes, especially those designated "tartar control," are too abrasive. Anything that feels gritty does a lot more than clean teeth; it can erode enamel and cause receding gums. Fluoride is the only ingredient you need. Dentist -recommended toothpastes include: Mentadent ($3.29), Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste ($4) and Sensodyne Fresh Mint ($4.39) for sensitive teeth.









Don't forget to floss!
Don't forget to floss!

3. Forgoing floss:
Bacteria on your teeth can develop into plaque, the leading cause of cavities and gum disease, in 24 hours. Flossing once a day is essential for maintaining healthy clean teeth by removing plaque.
Keep floss and other toiletries in your at work beauty kit.











Soda can damage your teeth.
Soda can damage your teeth.

4. Drinking lots of soda:
Carbonated sodas-both diet and regular-contain phosphoric acid, which can erode teeth over a period of time. If you drink soda , use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth-and clean teeth afterward by brushing.
Find other sources of hidden sugar in your diet: Get the sugar facts here.








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Try to avoid foods that stain.
Try to avoid foods that stain.

5. Eating lots of food that stain:
Tooth enamel is like a sponge. Anything that leaves a stain in a cup or on a plate (for example, coffee, tea, colas, marinara sauce, soy sauce, red wine) will give teeth a dull, yellowish color over time. Ask your dentist about laser whitening or bleaching.









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