6 Common Dental Hygiene Mistakes
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, practice good dental hygiene habits over time. It can be difficult to keep in mind everything you should (and shouldn’t) do when it comes to daily oral hygiene. The top six dental hygiene mistakes that your Chapel Hill Dentist sees are listed below.
Not Flossing Regularly
Patients tend to brush less frequently and more often just when they feel like it, like right before a dental appointment. Daily flossing may seem tedious, but it is essential for your dental health. Plaque between teeth cannot be removed by brushing alone over time, which can result in gingivitis and tooth decay. It is advised to floss daily using ordinary floss, a floss pick, or a water flosser.
Brushing Too Often
You should brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, suggests your Chapel Hill dentist. Wouldn’t it be better if we brushed more frequently if we were already brushing twice a day? Contrary to popular belief, the opposite is true. Brushing causes your tooth enamel to erode more frequently, increasing your risk of developing cavities and sensitivity. Additionally, you shouldn’t brush your teeth right away after consuming acidic or sugary foods. Instead, rinse your mouth with water.
Improper Brushing Technique
Whether you like to admit it or not, there are times when brushing is insufficient. Too much scrubbing can irritate gums and harm enamel. This can lead to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and an increase in the risk of cavities. Instead of brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle, use gentle circles to thoroughly clean them.
Using The Wrong Tools
How can you determine which toothbrush and floss are best for you? First, speak with your Chapel Hill dentist. To protect their tooth enamel, patients should brush their teeth frequently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a product that makes flossing more convenient to establish a routine. The best floss is the floss that is used every day.
Brushing Before Flossing
You can keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing. Otherwise, after you’ve brushed your teeth, bacteria could still be present between them and spread throughout your mouth. You can make sure that none of these germs are still present when you brush by flossing first. With the help of floss, all that bacteria is eliminated and dumped in the garbage.
Not Seeing Your Dentist in Chapel Hill Regularly
To keep your teeth clean and healthy and to stop problems before they get worse, you should visit the dentist twice a year. If you wait until you have tooth pain, see signs of decay, or feel your gums pulling away from your teeth, you run the risk of needing more invasive treatments. Make bi-annual dental appointments to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
Our overall health depends on good dental hygiene, so we must take all necessary precautions. Your smile’s strength and health can be greatly improved by making a few small changes to your oral hygiene regimen.