Ever wondered how dentists manage to keep their teeth so healthy? You might be surprised to know that dentists enjoy sweets, coffee, wine, and the occasional snack just like everyone else. The difference is not that they avoid these foods—it’s that they follow simple oral hygiene habits that protect their teeth from damage. Here’s how you can do the same.
Do Dentists Eat Sugar and Drink Coffee? Yes!
Dentists aren’t perfect eaters. They enjoy chocolate, coffee, soft drinks, and even the occasional glass of wine. These foods can contribute to cavities and enamel erosion, but dentists know how to balance indulgence with strong oral hygiene.
Dentist-Approved Tips to Keep Teeth Healthy
If you want to enjoy your favourite snacks without harming your smile, here are the exact strategies dentists use:
1. Rinse with Water After Eating or Drinking
Water helps wash away sugars and acids that bacteria feed on. Dentists make rinsing a habit after coffee, soft drinks, or sweet treats. Check your teeth for any sticky bits and make sure no foods are stuck there for long periods of time.
2. Limit Snacking Between Meals
Frequent snacking increases acid attacks on enamel. Dentists enjoy their treats with meals so their saliva can naturally protect their teeth. If you do want to snack, you can try sugar-free chewing gum or use water to swish your mouth after eating. Personally I just eat three to four meals with high density nutrition
3. Brush Twice Daily with Fluoride Toothpaste
Brushing morning and night is non-negotiable. Fluoride strengthens enamel, helping to prevent cavities—even if you eat sugary or acidic foods. Personally I prefer the electric toothbrush from Oral B. The IO series they release are fantastic as it lights up red when you’re pressing too hard. You can learn more here https://oralb.com.au/product-collections/electric-toothbrushes or buy from Amazon – which is where I got mine: https://www.amazon.com.au/Oral-B-iO-Electric-Toothbrush-Black/dp/B0D5L76WH8/ref=asc_df_B0D5L76WH8?mcid=ad6c8cc5c5a03d048bc82ac8bbc3b936&tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=712276151905&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14159368116707039548&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071855&hvtargid=pla-2335212266376&gad_source=1&th=1 Truth be told – just get the cheapest one, that will more than suffice.
Remember to brush your gum-line and not use the electric toothbrush like a manual. These are the steps to follow:
- Hold the electric toothbrush on each surface as it rotates and oscillates. Do not use it like a manual brush.
- Watch this video to learn how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CeMtNF6iGo
4. Floss Every Day / Clean Between Your Teeth
Food particles and plaque hide between teeth where brushes can’t reach. Dentists floss daily to keep gums healthy and reduce decay. I like to use Piksters but I recommend any tool that you like to use – that is more important than not cleaning between the teeth at all. You can get these from your local grocery store, pharmacy or dental clinic. You can also buy them online here https://www.amazon.com.au/Piksters-Interdental-Brushes-Pack-Ultra/dp/B078K3B7R6/ref=asc_df_B078K3B7R6?mcid=75bafb362c403dda861a67261ff0764b&tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=712295732326&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3200276372409866937&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071855&hvtargid=pla-585866574180&gad_source=1&th=1
If you have dental implants, I recommend the WaterPik or a waterflosser with enough power. The Waterpik can be found here https://waterpik.com.au/ and I gave one to my grandfather for the implants I did for him.
5. Wait Before Brushing After Acidic Drinks
After coffee, wine, juice, or soft drinks, enamel softens temporarily. Dentists wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid enamel wear. Excessive wear leads to sensitivity – which I use to experience as a dentist until I stopped this bad habit. I also did not rinse after brushing, and instead leave the leftover toothpaste on my teeth for at least 30 minutes to help the fluoride bond to your teeth and reduce the hypersensitivity.
Personally, I think spitting after you brush, instead of rinsing with water helps a lot with hypersensitivity. The fluoride in the toothpaste bonds with your teeth to create a barrier against things that can trigger sensitivity. If you find just spitting makes you feel a bit gross, I highly suggest a tongue scraper after you spit to get rid of that grimy feeling! Here is one example of where to buy one: https://www.amazon.com.au/MasterMedi-Stainless-Professional-Eliminate-Non-synthetic/dp/B01LAY47D0?th=1
6. Never Skip Dental Check-Ups
Dentists know prevention is better than cure. Routine check-ups and professional cleans catch problems early and keep teeth in top shape. It’s easy to miss decay especially without x-rays or a professional checking your teeth. See this blog post for reasons why: https://sydneysmilecare.com.au/understanding-tooth-decay-causes-symptoms-and-prevention/
The Takeaway: Balance, Not Perfection
Dentists don’t avoid every sugary snack or acidic drink—they simply follow consistent oral hygiene routines and make smart choices. With these dentist-approved tips, you can enjoy your favourite foods while protecting your teeth and gums.
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