The secret to healthy teeth and gums isn’t much of a secret: Brush twice a day, floss once a day and visit a dentist regularly for cleanings.
“It’s not sexy or surprising, but this is what works if you want to avoid cavities and gum disease,” said Dr. Matthew Messina, a clinical director and assistant professor at Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
But dentists say there’s more we could be doing in the name of oral health. Here are some good and bad habits they suggest starting — or stopping.
Bad habit: Using a toothbrush or toothpaste that contains charcoal
Charcoal-infused brushes and toothpastes can be effective at whitening teeth, but the benefits come at a cost.
“Charcoal is incredibly abrasive,” Dr. Messina said. “It whitens your teeth by sanding away the outer layer of tooth enamel.”
Enamel is the hard, crystalline tissue that covers and protects your teeth. While removing a little enamel can have a temporary whitening effect, over time, that lost enamel will weaken your teeth and can lead to staining, cracks, cavities and other problems.