“LIFE is only meaningful when we are striving for a goal.” — Aristotle. Purpose gives life a sense of direction. Goals and purpose work hand in hand: either you find your purpose while achieving a certain goal, or you find your purpose first and fulfil it through your daily goals.
However, both of these are incomplete without discipline. Achieving a small goal for the day can become difficult if discipline is not applied. Discipline involves reminding yourself, time and again, of your purpose so as not to lose focus and direction. Setting health goals can be easy, but attaining them is often difficult. No matter how much you try, nothing seems to work. The question is: why?
The answer lies in habits — the behaviours you have adopted over your lifetime. Sleeping without brushing your teeth, opening bottles with your teeth, biting your nails — you name it. These small and seemingly harmless habits, if corrected, could significantly improve your dental health journey.
Change is difficult but possible. Your goals should be realistic. Wanting to change is good, but the “how” is even more crucial. Acquiring the best dental routine, a better-looking smile, a cavity-free mouth and fresh, pleasant breath is possible if you start from the basics. There are small habits we have adopted over the years; we may be unaware are harmful or we may know but do not know how to change them. This article brings those habits to the surface and offers practical ways to abandon them.
These habits include:
The incomplete brushing habit
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Many people brush their teeth while rushing out the door, cutting their routine to less than two minutes. This rushed habit means missing crucial areas like the back teeth, tongue and gumline. Over time, what seems unimportant leads to deep, painful cavities in those neglected spots.
The American Dental Association advises brushing for two minutes. Think of your mouth as four sections: top right, top left, bottom left and bottom right. Spend about 30 seconds on each. But time alone is not enough — good technique matters. Angle your brush at 45 degrees towards your gums, use a brush that is not too big or too hard and always choose a fluoride toothpaste.
The floss-skipping habit
Many people skip flossing, yet it is essential. Since mornings are often rushed, floss in the evening and be consistent. Remember that 40% of your tooth surfaces are between the teeth. Brushing misses these areas.
Decay often starts silently between teeth, going unnoticed until it is too late for a simple filling and requires a costly root canal. Floss before brushing, then rinse. If string floss is difficult to use, try alternatives such as a water flosser, interdental brush or floss picks.
The bedtime sip and snack habit (for adults and children)
Drinking anything besides water after your final brush is common but harmful. During sleep, saliva flow drops sharply, reducing its protective cleansing effect. This creates an ideal environment for cavity-causing bacteria.
If you must snack or drink, brush again afterwards or wait 30 minutes if the drink was acidic.
The use-of-teeth-as-tools habit
Using your teeth to open packages, bite nails, crack nuts or chew ice can cause micro-cracks and chips in your enamel. Once enamel is compromised, bacteria can easily invade and cause decay.
Use the correct tools — scissors, bottle openers or nutcrackers. If you chew ice, order drinks without ice or use a straw. Nail-biters can try bitter-tasting polish or stress-relief tools.
The constant breath mints habit
Sucking on sugar-containing mints, cough drops or lozenges throughout the day constantly exposes your teeth to sugar. Each mint triggers a mini acid attack.
Switch to sugar-free options containing xylitol, which inhibits bacteria. Address the root cause of bad breath by brushing your tongue and staying hydrated.
The sauce-dipping habit
Sugary or acidic sauces such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, sweet chilli and teriyaki coat tooth surfaces and seep into grooves. Use sauces sparingly. Choose alternatives like mustard, vinegar or olive oil. Rinse with water after eating.
The dehydration and dry mouth habit
Not drinking enough water reduces saliva, your mouth’s natural defence system. Carry a water bottle and sip throughout the day. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol. If medications cause dry mouth, consult your doctor.
The whitening over-reliance habit
Overusing whitening products without professional guidance can damage enamel and irritate gums. Consult your dentist and follow product instructions carefully. Prioritise health over aesthetics.
The “all-or-nothing” brushing habit
Skipping brushing because you cannot complete a perfect routine allows plaque to mature for over 24 hours. A quick 60-second brush is better than none. Keep a travel kit for emergencies.
The acidic morning routine habit
Drinking lemon water, apple cider, vinegar or juice first thing in the morning and brushing immediately can damage softened enamel.
Rinse with water and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Use a straw and dilute acidic drinks where possible.
Changing habits does not have to be difficult. As James Clear writes in Atomic Habits: “Make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy and make it satisfying.”