Millions of people begin their mornings with what they believe is a healthy oral care routine — brushing vigorously after breakfast, rinsing with a strong mouthwash that makes their eyes water, and using abrasive toothpaste to fight plaque. According to leading dental expert Dr. Kami Hoss, these common habits are silently wreaking havoc on oral health and putting your entire body at risk.
"We think we’re doing everything right, but in reality, our mouths are more unhealthy now than they were decades ago," warns Dr. Hoss, co-founder of The Super Dentists and author of If Your Mouth Could Talk: An In-Depth Guide to Oral Health and Its Impact on Your Entire Life. "Oral diseases are widespread, and what we’re doing isn’t working."
Your morning routine could be leaving dangerous germs behind
The use of harsh mouthwashes and abrasive products is a disaster for the delicate ecosystem of your mouth. Dr. Hoss explains that the mouth is home to billions of microbes, both good and bad, that form the oral microbiome. Disrupting this balance with antiseptic products that promise to kill 99% of bacteria doesn’t eliminate germs — it empowers the toughest, most dangerous bacteria to recolonize unchecked.
“If your mouth were a garden, you wouldn’t dump acid all over it to kill one weed,” Hoss says. “But that’s exactly what we do with powerful antiseptic mouthwashes. We destroy the beneficial bacteria that help maintain oral and overall health.”
Why this matters more than you think
Poor oral health isn’t just about cavities or bad breath. Research links gum disease to life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. A recent 2024 study in The Journal of the American Dental Association also found a correlation between poor oral care habits and increased all-cause mortality.
In the U.S., over 50% of adults suffer from gum disease, with that number rising to 70% for seniors over 65, according to the CDC. Dental caries, or tooth decay, is the most prevalent noncommunicable disease globally, per the World Health Organization.
The healthy oral care routine you need
Dr. Hoss outlines a simple but game-changing routine:
-
Brush before breakfast:
Avoid brushing immediately after meals when your enamel is vulnerable. Wait 30-60 minutes after eating or brush before breakfast to prevent acid erosion.
-
Use Alkaline mouthwash first:
Start your day with an alkaline rinse to balance your mouth’s pH and loosen debris.
-
Floss every day:
Use string floss for the best results. Handle flossers and water flossers are next-best alternatives.
-
Clean your tongue:
Scrape or brush your tongue to combat bad breath and remove bacteria.
-
Brush with soft bristles:
Choose a gentle toothbrush and effective toothpaste.
-
End with Alkaline mouthwash at night:
This ensures a balanced oral microbiome overnight.
-
Use Xylitol gum or spray:
Balance acidity throughout the day by chewing xylitol gum or using a mouth spray.
"Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body. Keeping it healthy is one of the most powerful ways to improve your overall well-being," Hoss emphasizes. "It’s not complicated, but it takes the right habits and products."
The fate of your health starts in your mouth. Stop making the mistake of sterilizing it into imbalance and start building a routine that works with your body, not against it. Choose better habits today and protect your future.
For more life-changing dental insights, follow and subscribe to Dental News on Instagram and Facebook. Join our community and take the first step toward your healthiest smile.