A beautiful, healthy smile can do wonders for your confidence and overall well-being. However, maintaining that radiant smile requires more than just the occasional brush and floss. Some common habits could be sabotaging your dental health without you even realizing it. As we step into 2025, our Austin dentist thinks it’s time to leave these six, smile-sabotaging habits behind for good.
Want to set your smile up for success in 2025? Schedule a check-up, cleaning, or cosmetic consultation with Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist today! New and established patients can call our dentist in Austin, TX, at (512) 346-4690 for booking information.
Now, let’s dive into six habits our Austin dentist recommends kicking in 2025.
1. Skipping Regular Dental Checkups
Life gets busy, and it can be really easy to skip your routine dental visits. However, avoiding professional cleanings and checkups with our Austin dentist allows plaque and tartar to build up. This can significantly increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Make it a priority to schedule biannual dental appointments with Dr. Ragsdale. These visits help catch problems early and keep your smile in optimal shape.
2. Using Tobacco Products
If you’re a regular tobacco user, you may be 10 times more likely to receive an oral cancer diagnosis compared to non-tobacco users.
Smoking or chewing tobacco is not just bad for your overall health – it’s a major culprit for oral issues. Tobacco stains teeth, causes stinky breath, and damages oral tissues. Our Austin dentist says quitting tobacco is one of the best decisions you can make for a healthier, brighter smile and improved overall well-being.
3. Overconsuming Sugary or Acidic Drinks
Sodas, energy drinks, alcohol, and even certain fruit juices are packed with sugar and acids that erode enamel and promote tooth decay. While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, too much sugar and acid can wreak havoc on your teeth.
Instead, our Austin dentist recommends pure, unadulterated water. When you do drink something sugary or acidic, use a straw to minimize direct contact with your teeth.
4. Neglecting Your Nighttime Routine
After a long day, it’s tempting to skip your nighttime brushing and flossing. However, leaving food particles and bacteria in your mouth overnight creates the perfect environment for plaque and tartar to form.
Our Austin dentist says to make it a non-negotiable habit to brush and floss before bed. Consistent oral hygiene at night is crucial for preventing decay and gum problems.
5. Using Your Teeth as Tools
How many times have you used your teeth to open a package, cut tape, or even crack a nut? Using your teeth as tools might seem convenient in the moment, but our Austin dentist says it’s a fast track to chips, cracks, and enamel damage.
Our Austin dentist recommends keeping proper tools like scissors or nutcrackers nearby to avoid unnecessary damage to your teeth.
6. Aggressive Brushing
Brushing your teeth with too much force or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and irritate your gums. This can lead to sensitivity and receding gums over time.
Our Austin dentist recommends switching to a soft-bristled brush and using light, rounded motions when brushing. Remember, brushing effectively doesn’t mean brushing aggressively.
Ring in the New Year at Austin Laser Dentist
Your oral health is a reflection of your daily habits. By ditching these harmful practices in 2025, you can protect your teeth and gums, enhance your smile’s appearance, and boost your confidence. And don’t forget to schedule a visit with our Austin dentist!
Reach Dr. Ragsdale online here, or call our front desk at (512) 346-4690 for scheduling, information, and more!
