Not all "healthy" habits are actually good for you—especially when it comes to your teeth.

I was recently quoted in a HuffPost article by journalist Talia Ergas where we explored this very topic: how some of the things we think are helping our health may be silently destroying our smiles.

The article, titled "We’re Dentists — We Avoid These Sneaky ‘Healthy’ Habits That Ruin Your Teeth," dives into common mistakes that lead to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and decay—even if you’re brushing and flossing daily.

Most people think the biggest dangers to their smile are candy or forgetting to floss. But the truth? It’s the daily habits you repeat without thinking that do the most damage over time.

These micro-habits create compounding effects that can lead t

As I said in the article:

"The small, unconscious habits we repeat daily can quietly wear down our smile over time."

Let’s break down the habits you’ll want to rethink—and what to do instead.

 

Dr. Catrise Austin’s Expert Dental Advice Featured in HuffPost

 

I had the honor of being quoted throughout the article alongside other top dental professionals. Here are the key lessons and actionable tips I shared with HuffPost readers to help protect your teeth for the long haul.

This is one of the biggest mistakes I see—even from people with great oral hygiene routines.

"Rinsing immediately washes away fluoride, the key ingredient in toothpaste that protects and strengthens enamel," I explained in the article.

 

Instead of rinsing with water, simply spit out the excess toothpaste and let the fluoride do its job. You want that protective layer to sit on your teeth and keep strengthening your enamel.

Quick Tip:  Wait at least 15–30 minutes after brushing before rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash.

Surprised? Most people are. But your pillow can indirectly contribute to poor oral health—especially if it leads to mouth breathing.


"A flat or unsupportive pillow can worsen snoring or sleep apnea by encouraging mouth breathing," I shared.


Sleeping with your mouth open dries it out, and that lack of moisture reduces your mouth’s natural ability to fight bacteria.


Invest in a supportive pillow that encourages nasal breathing and helps reduce sleep-related oral health issues.

One of the best ways to protect your teeth doesn’t come in a tube or at the dentist’s office—it comes from your water bottle.


"Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism," I explained in the feature. "Staying hydrated supports saliva production."


When your mouth is dry, it becomes more acidic, which creates the perfect environment for:

Pro Tip: Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day—even when you’re not thirsty.

Based on what I shared in the HuffPost article, here are the habits you should break today to protect your teeth:

If you want to start building better dental habits, here are a few easy wins:

Just 1–2 days of mild dehydration can reduce your saliva flow significantly—leaving your mouth vulnerable to decay.

Many patients don’t realize that mouth breathing from allergies can trigger the same enamel loss as soda!

These little-known issues are why patient education is such a big part of what I do at VIP Smiles.

The truth is, you can brush, floss, and still damage your teeth—if you’re not paying attention to your daily lifestyle habits.


The good news? Now that you’re aware of the risks, you can take small steps each day to protect your teeth and preserve your smile.

Schedule a VIP Smile Consultation (virtual or in-person):

Email: draustin@vipsmiles.com

Call/Text: (646) 883-2086

Smile Quiz + Veneer Simulator: Try it here

I’m proud to have been featured alongside other experts in this helpful resource from HuffPost:

Big thanks to journalist Talia Ergas and the HuffPost team for shining a light on everyday dental health awareness.

Stay hydrated. Don’t rinse. And sleep smarter.