6 Things I’d Never Do as a Dentist: Protect Your Enamel and Gums

If you saw your teeth the way a dentist does—as a complex, layered masterpiece of biology rather than just a set of tools—you might think twice before using them to pry open a bottle or crunch through a handful of ice. We often assume that if it doesn’t hurt immediately, it isn't doing damage. But as a dentist, I see the invisible "micro-cuts" in the gums from dipping and the "sandpaper" effect of trendy charcoal toothpastes that slowly strip away enamel you can never get back.

In this article, I’m sharing the six non-negotiable habits I personally avoid to keep my smile intact and my patients out of the chair for avoidable emergencies. Ready to see what stays off my "to-do" list?

1. The Charcoal Trap: Why "Natural" Isn't Always Better

Is your toothpaste actually a secret abrasive? While charcoal toothpaste results can look impressive initially, the grit can wear away your tooth's enamel. As a dentist, I would never use it because charcoal is highly abrasive and acts more like sandpaper than a cleanser.

Think of your enamel like the clear coat on a car; once you scratch it up with grit, the surface becomes dull and prone to damage. Most people use charcoal to scrub away external stains, but there is a much safer way to get that bright smile.

• The Pro Alternative: Instead of scratching your teeth at home, visit your dentist. We can professionally polish off those stains during a cleaning without compromising your tooth structure.
• Practical Tip: If you're prone to staining, consider scheduling three cleanings a year rather than two. It’s a far better investment than a tube of charcoal that causes permanent sensitivity.

2. Stop Treating Your Teeth Like Swiss Army Knives

Your teeth are some of the strongest structures in your body, but they have a breaking point. I have two major rules here: Stop chewing on ice and stop using your teeth as tools. Teeth are built in layers. This means they are designed to withstand the vertical force of chewing food—not the erratic, hard force of crunching on a frozen cube or prying off a bottle cap.

"Our teeth can only take so much force, especially if you have big fillings on the back. There is no benefit to chewing ice."

When you use your teeth to open a package, you risk a "shear" fracture. Because teeth are layered, a piece can easily chip off when subjected to heavy, non-food forces. This is especially dangerous if you have existing fillings; the metal or composite doesn't flex the same way natural tooth structure does, making the tooth more likely to split.

3. Vaping and Dipping: The "Micro-Cut" Reality

We all know the "big" warnings about oral cancer, but the mechanics of how tobacco and nicotine products damage your mouth are often overlooked.

When it comes to dipping, the nicotine enters your bloodstream through "micro-cuts" the product makes in your gums. You are essentially traumatizing your gum tissue over and over again in the same area. This leads to thick scar tissue and, eventually, a much higher risk of oral cancer.

And if you think vaping is a "safe" pass, think again. It isn't just about the nicotine; it’s the chemical additives and oils that are truly damaging. While nicotine itself is addictive and harmful to your system, the secondary carcinogens are what devastate your oral tissues.

4. The Nightly Non-Negotiables: Brushing and Retainers

If there is one thing I would never do, it’s go to bed without brushing my teeth and putting in my retainer.

When you sleep without brushing, the food and plaque from your day sit on your teeth for eight hours. This is the "golden hour" for bacteria to cause cavities and gum issues. But hygiene is only half the battle; the other half is structural alignment. * The Shifting Truth: Your teeth are constantly under pressure—from your tongue, your speech, and the way you eat.

• The "Parking Brake": Think of a retainer like a parking brake for your smile. Without a retainer or nightguard to hold them in place, that constant pressure will cause your teeth to shift.

5. The Energy Drink Deception

Many patients think that by switching to "sugar-free" energy drinks, they are saving their teeth. While sugar is the primary fuel for cavities, it isn't the only enemy.

Even if an energy drink is sugar-free, the carbonation is incredibly acidic. This acidity wears away your enamel, making your teeth more sensitive, more prone to cavities, and likely to wear down faster over time.

The Dentist's Rule: If you must have an energy drink, don't sip it all day. Every sip restarts the "acid attack" on your enamel. Drink it quickly, and follow it up with plain water to help neutralize the pH in your mouth.

Your Next Steps

Maintaining a healthy smile isn’t just about the minutes you spend at the bathroom sink; it’s about the small, daily decisions that protect your teeth from unnecessary wear and tear. The path to better oral health is often paved by what you choose not to do.

By avoiding these six pitfalls, you are preserving the structural integrity of your smile for decades to come. At our practice, we believe in proactive, transparent dental care that empowers you to be the primary guardian of your health.

How to start today:

1. Audit your habits: Swap the ice-crunching for a chilled beverage and ditch the charcoal for a fluoride-based, dentist-approved paste.
2. Commit to the Night: Never skip your nighttime brushing and retainer routine this week.
3. Book a Check-up: Schedule a professional cleaning to remove stains safely and ensure your "layers" are intact.