While you were sleeping, there was a bacterial explosion in your mouth. Eating right after rising fuels the bacteria's acid production and promotes tooth decay, says Margaret Lappan Green, former president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Brush first to send those distasteful germs packing.
Who knew? You can scrub too much.
Dentists commonly see lacerated, bleeding gums from brushing too hard and using the wrong kind of brush. Plus, extra scrubbing can lead to gum erosion and increased sensitivity. Limit your cleanings to two minutes twice a day, and use a soft-bristle brush and a light grip.
Who knew? You can eat your way to healthier teeth.
Munching foods like cheese, nuts, and apples after eating a carb-heavy meal can actually help prevent cavities, says Green. These textured foods break up the sticky plaque to help neutralize the acid in your mouth. Try trading the after-dinner mint for a cube of cheddar.
Who knew? That last cold cost you more than a missed day of work.
"Toothbrushes are designed to be replaced at least every three months," says Green -- or whenever a cold or sore throat strikes. That's because the bugs that make you sick can set up shop in the bristles and potentially reinfect you. So when you're at the drugstore picking up your cough drops and tissues, swing through the dental aisle, too!
