The Lifestyle Habits That Could be Damaging Your Smile

A leading dental expert is warning that some of the most popular wellness trends could be damaging our teeth, with products and habits marketed as healthy contributing to enamel erosion, sensitivity, and costly long-term dental problems.

As an increasing number of Australians invest in their health and wellbeing, Dr Bing Lee from Innova Dental says people are adopting habits they believe are beneficial, such as drinking lemon water or apple cider vinegar, swapping soft drinks for sparkling water, and using whitening products to achieve a whiter smile.

But Dr Lee says what's often marketed as healthy can come at a hidden cost, potentially causing significant and permanent damage to teeth.

"We're seeing patients present with worn, thinning and sensitive teeth or gum damage and the cause isn’t neglect, but rather modern-day lifestyle habits."

"People overdoing whitening products, charcoal treatments or simply aggressively brushing in the belief they're improving their oral health, may actually be causing damage."

Dr Lee says toothpastes designed to whiten and brighten teeth can often be very abrasive and literally scrub away the top layer of the teeth. He warns too-vigorous brushing can have the same impact.

“The enamel on our teeth can be worn away by over-brushing or harsh toothpastes. And unfortunately, once you break through the enamel into the second layer of the tooth - the dentine - it’s even softer and will likely wear away even quicker.”

“Unfortunately, we only get one shot at enamel. Once it’s gone it doesn’t grow back and the only way to restore the tooth is through expert dental treatment.”

Dr Lee is also warning of compounding damage that can occur when teeth are exposed to acidic drinks like lemon juice or sparkling water before brushing.

“If you’re starting your day with lemon and water, the acid in the lemon juice softens the enamel, and then if you’re scrubbing your teeth afterwards, you’re essentially turbo-charging the damage.”

“The same thing occurs with sparkling water. It might have no sugar, but sparkling water is acidic due to the carbon dioxide that gives it the fizz, and teeth will literally break down and dissolve in an acidic environment.”

Dr Lee’s warning comes at a time when newly released research shows consumption of low and no-sugar carbonated drinks is on the rise – up from 30% to 65% between 1997 and 2024.

“People think they’re doing the right thing by having these healthier drink options, but they don’t realise the impact on their teeth, especially if they’re having them frequently or over a long period of time.”

Dr Lee says with a growing focus on health and wellness – particularly in younger generations – he understands that people are looking to make healthier choices with the best of intentions.

“But unfortunately, the trends and products people might see online or on social media don’t necessarily distinguish between what might be good for your body and what might damage your teeth.”

Dr Lee offers this advice;

• If having acidic drinks in the morning like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, brush your teeth first.

• Avoid brushing your teeth within 60-90 minutes of having an acidic drink – including sparkling water – to allow your enamel to ‘reset’.

• Skip the supermarket whitening toothpaste – the only true way to whiten your teeth is with your dentist.

• Avoid over-brushing. Harder doesn’t mean cleaning better.

• If teeth are looking thinner, or changing colour, speak to your dentist as soon as you can.

• Maintain regular dental checks even if you haven’t noticed any changes. Enamel damage can be subtle but it’s important it’s picked up early.

About Innova Dental

Founded in 2015 by Dr Bing Lee and Dr Fay Chan, Innova Dental is an owner-led, family-run practice committed to delivering patient-focused accessible, affordable dental care to Tasmania. With practices in Launceston, Hobart and Rosny, and an experienced team of dentists, Innova Dental has a reputation for quality of care and is highly experienced and knowledgeable in CADCAM chairside technology and handcrafted CEREC porcelain crowns.