A top dentist has revealed the six everyday habits secretly wrecking your teeth - and they’re probably part of your daily routine.
Brushing and flossing regularly is a great start - but even with a solid hygiene routine, many people are still unknowingly putting their teeth at risk through everyday behaviours.
Lead oral surgeon at Dentum, Dr Andrej Bozic, says millions of Brits are unknowingly damaging their teeth with everyday habits that seem harmless, from sipping lemon water to brushing at the wrong time.
“These are things people do every day without realising they’re harming their teeth,” he explained. “Even if your hygiene is perfect, these habits could still be causing long-term damage.”
Scrubbing your teeth straight after meals is ill-advised
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“People are often shocked to learn their smile issues aren’t caused by poor hygiene, but by things they do without thinking,” explained Dr Božić. “It’s not just about brushing - it’s your daily choices that can make or break your teeth.”
Below, he shared six everyday habits that could be doing more harm than good.
Starting the day with lemon water
It’s hailed as a health trend - but lemon water is highly acidic and can wear away enamel, especially if sipped slowly.
“People think it’s cleansing, but the acid attacks your teeth from the first sip,” Dr Bozic warned. “If you drink it, use a straw and rinse with water after.”
Brushing too soon after eating
Scrubbing your teeth straight after meals - especially acidic ones - can damage enamel softened by food.
“Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing,” he advised. “This gives your saliva time to neutralise the acids naturally.”
Grinding your teeth at night
Many people grind without realising, leading to worn-down teeth, headaches, and jaw pain.
“It’s often stress-related and happens during sleep,” Dr Bozic said. “If you wake up with jaw tension, see your dentist - a night guard could prevent serious damage.”
Using your teeth as tools
Tearing packets open, biting nails or holding keys in your mouth can all lead to chips and cracks.
“Teeth aren’t designed to do these things,” he said. “It’s a fast way to damage them - and the repair work isn’t cheap.”
Sipping coffee throughout the day
Coffee is acidic and staining, and sipping it slowly keeps the acid levels in your mouth high.
“If you drink it, have it in one sitting and rinse your mouth with water after,” Dr Bozic said. “It’s not about giving it up, but being smart with it.”
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Small tweaks to your daily routine can make a big difference to your teeth
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Skipping regular dental checkups
“Even if your teeth look fine, problems like gum disease and decay can build up silently,” he said. “Prevention is always cheaper and easier than a cure.”
Dr Bozic added that small tweaks to your daily routine can make a huge difference: “You don’t need to be perfect - just aware. Protecting your smile starts with knowledge.”
The warning comes after new research from King's College London revealed that Mediterranean-style meals could be doing wonders for your gum health.
People who enjoy generous amounts of vegetables, fruits, olive oil and legumes tend to have healthier gums with less inflammation, according to the findings.
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