Taking care of your teeth is extremely important, but did you know that most of us are making more mistakes than we may realize? If you want to ensure your oral health is on the right track and that you’re properly caring for your mouth, then be sure you’re not making any of these top ten oral health mistakes.
1 Not brushing often enough
Your teeth are finicky little buggers that can house bacteria without you knowing about it. The best way to alleviate this is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but most of us only brush once. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day lets you remove any bacteria or food particle buildup that can cause anything from tooth decay to gum disease. So, before you snuggle into bed at night, be sure to take some extra time to brush your teeth.
2 Not flossing
Aside from brushing your teeth, it’s also important to floss them. Flossing allows you to get in between your teeth and remove any food particles that may have found a home between two teeth. This is a great way to alleviate the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Make it a point to floss your teeth every time you brush to ensure you are getting the cleanest mouth possible.
3 Using the wrong toothpaste
There are plenty of toothpaste options out there, so it may seem difficult to choose the right one. However, if you have special needs for your oral health, it’s important for you to choose the right toothpaste. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth, you should opt for a sensitive toothpaste. If you have weak enamel, you should opt for an enamel-strengthener toothpaste. According to Dr. Carroll of Yuma Smiles, “Most patients don’t realize they could be making the wrong choice when it comes to toothpaste, but your dentist can point you in the right direction and ensure you’re making the best possible choice.”
4 Not visiting your dentist often enough
Seeing your dentist is vital, and it’s recommended to see him or her at least twice a year. This allows your dentist to keep an eye on your oral health and let you know of anything you need to do to properly care for your mouth. If you have any oral health issues, your dentist may recommend you see them more often. So, just follow the recommendations of your dentist.
5 Smoking
Smoking is bad for your overall health, but it’s also bad for your oral health. If you are a smoker, you are putting yourself at bigger risk of gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re looking for a reason to quit, this should be it.
6 Having a poor diet
Most people associate their diet with their weight, but your diet plays an important role in your oral health too. If you are eating foods that are high in sugar, nutrient-dense, or high in salt, you will be doing more damage to your teeth than you realize. Talk to your dentist about an appropriate diet to help maintain good oral health.
7 Using harmful products
There are a lot of teeth-related products out there, such as teeth whiteners. While most of these are typically safe, there are some that could do more harm than good. If you are using a product on your teeth, it’s crucial that you talk to your dentist about it to ensure it’s safe for you to use.
8 Ignoring pain
Your teeth do a pretty good job of letting you know when something is wrong, so it’s important not to ignore any oral pain you may be experiencing. Whether it’s pain in a tooth or in your gums, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
9 Brushing too hard
Chances are nobody ever told you that could brush too hard, but it’s true. If you use a lot of force while brushing your teeth, and if you use a hard-bristle toothbrush, you could actually be damaging your enamel. Use medium pressure while brushing and allow your bristles to do the work for you.
10 Not changing your toothbrush
Your toothbrush does a lot of dirty work, which means it’s important to replace it every 3 to 4 months. If you have been using the same toothbrush for an extended period of time, run out and grab yourself a new one today.
Your oral health is extremely important, so be sure you’re not making any of these mistakes when it comes to your teeth and gums.
