Dental mistakes, such as brushing for less than 2 minutes or brushing too vigorously, are easy to make. Many people face dental and oral health issues daily because of the errors they make when taking care of their teeth. While these issues are common, they aren’t too difficult to remedy.
By spreading awareness of common dental mishaps, we can ensure proper dental care and train ourselves to do better for our health. Please continue reading to find out if you could be making some of the most common dental mistakes.
Not Brushing Long Enough
We recommend that you brush at least twice a day and for 2-minute intervals. However, the average person brushes their teeth for only 30-60 seconds. This means less plaque is getting removed, and your teeth aren’t getting the proper care or attention they deserve.
If you are not sure when the 2-minute mark is, you might benefit from investing in an electric toothbrush with a timer. Another way is to set up a timer on your phone or clock whenever you brush your teeth. Regardless of how you do it, a 2-minute brush time is an ultimate way to go for cleaner, healthier teeth and a gleaming smile.
Rough Brushing
Always use gentle circular movements and work slowly when brushing your teeth. Take your time! Brushing too roughly can damage your gums and cause them to recede over time.
This, in turn, can cause tooth sensitivity and expose the nerves in your teeth. Brush lightly and never press too hard. Don’t fall into the common misconception that the harder your brush, the cleaner your teeth will be.
Not Flossing
This is nothing that you haven’t heard before. Ideally, you should be flossing daily.
Even if you notice that your gums are bleeding, you should still be flossing regularly. Bleeding gums may mean that you have the beginning stages of gum disease. In this case, brushing and flossing daily is even more necessary and important for your daily routine.
Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
An old toothbrush that’s been sitting around for too long can harbour dangerous bacteria. We recommend that you replace your toothbrush with a new one every 3-4 months.
Anything longer than that could be a gamble since toothbrushes weren’t meant to last forever. Ensure that the bristles of your toothbrush aren’t frayed or out of shape. This is a sure sign that you need to replace your toothbrush as soon as possible.
Not Brushing Your Tongue
Your tongue is an important and often neglected part of your mouth. So much emphasis is placed on your teeth that it can be easy to forget that your tongue also contributes to the overall health of your mouth.
Whenever you brush your teeth, don’t forget to give your tongue a good scrub. You might even think to invest in a tongue scraper for a fresher feeling. Regardless, a clean tongue is important, as your tongue can harbour just as much (if not more) bacteria and germs as your teeth.
Rinsing After Brushing
Contrary to popular belief, rinsing after brushing your teeth can rid your mouth of important and useful fluoride. Instead of rinsing the residue left behind after brushing, try spitting instead.
It may seem odd and counterintuitive, but it can really make a difference in your oral health over time. Also, remember to choose toothpaste with fluoride so that you don’t miss out on the benefits.
Not Visiting Your Dentist
One of the worst mistakes you can make when taking care of your oral health is to miss dental appointments consistently and ignore issues when they present themselves. Ideally, you should be going for regular dental cleanings, and you should be following up with your dentist whenever you feel pain or unusual symptoms in your mouth.
Believe it or not, your dentist wants to hear from you! Set consistent appointments in your schedule and never leave the dentist’s office without scheduling your next appointment.
Now that you are well versed in some of the most common dental mistakes, you can hope to adjust your routine accordingly and reap the benefits of proper oral health hygiene. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect, as long as you make a dedicated effort in improving your habits on the road to better oral care.
At Bristol Dental, we are here to help. For more information on our dental services in Mississauga and the GTA, please call Bristol Dental at 866-673-2109 or contact us here. Our dentists and staff are professional, courteous, and ready to help make your dental dreams come true. Contact us today for more information and to get started on your smile journey.
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