brushing your teeth

Photo: Alexey Bykov/Thinkstock

6 of 6

NEXT

SLIDESHOW

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing too often (or too hard) can cause excessive wear and tear on your pearly whites. Surprisingly, your toothbrush's rough bristles aren't only to blame—your toothpaste can also be a culprit. Most brands contain abrasive compounds, such as calcium carbonate and hydrated silicas, to remove plaque, food debris, and surface stains. But when toothpaste is used too much, the compounds may strip away enamel, especially if you've just eaten something acidic. Brushing twice a day is good enough—and don't forget to floss!

Mehmet Oz, MD, is the host of The Dr. Oz Show