3 shocking things damaging your teeth without you knowing

Do you feel like your teeth are getting worse even though you look after them?

Most patients we speak to genuinely believe they are doing the right thing for their teeth.
And in most cases, they are brushing regularly, avoiding obvious sugar, trying to make healthy choices.

What surprises people is that some very common, well-intentioned habits can slowly damage teeth over time.

There’s usually no pain or warning signs.
Just small changes that creep in - until one day you notice sensitivity, wear, or your teeth don’t look the way they used to.

Here are three of the most common ones.

1. Charcoal toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste is often marketed as a natural, gentle way to whiten teeth.

The issue is that many charcoal toothpastes work by being highly abrasive and don’t actually whiten teeth.

Over time, this can:

• wear away enamel

• make teeth more sensitive

• leave teeth looking dull or uneven

• make staining return faster

Because the change happens slowly, most people don’t connect it back to the toothpaste they’ve been using every day.

2. Lemon water

Lemon water can be a healthy habit for your body but not for your teeth.

The acid softens enamel, when this happens regularly, teeth can gradually wear down.

What makes this tricky is that:

• it doesn’t hurt

• it doesn’t feel “bad”

• it’s often paired with good intentions

By the time people notice changes, enamel loss has already occurred.

3. Using a hard toothbrush (or brushing too firmly)

A lot of people brush hard because they think it means they’re being thorough.

In reality, brushing too firmly can:

• wear down enamel at the gumline

• cause gum recession

• expose sensitive areas of the tooth

This often shows up years later as sensitivity or notching near the gums, not straight away.

It is a slow process and that’s why it catches people off guard.

What to take from this

This isn’t about blaming or scaring you.
It’s about understanding how small, everyday choices add up over time.

Once you know what to look out for, it becomes much easier to protect your teeth - without giving up good habits or overthinking every decision.

If you’re curious to learn more about your teeth, how they’re changing, or what’s actually right for you, feel free to explore the rest of our site.

Understanding always comes before decisions

If you want us to thoroughly check your oral health, feel free to contact us right here in Colac.