Oral hygiene is a sign of overall good health and personality. Although there is no set standard for how many times one should do this, any London dentist would recommend doing it at least twice a day. It seems so simple that most people think they are doing it right, but in fact, they might probably be doing it wrong. Here are seven dental mistakes that you make daily, which can harm your oral health:-
- Brushing in the Same Position
Brushing the same corners of the mouth is the most common dental mistake. In doing so, the unattended teeth develop cavities over time. Another problem with this approach is that gums and tongue do not get proper cleansing that could be the reason for gum diseases and bad breath.
- Using the Old or Wrong Toothbrush
If dentists are to be trusted, a toothbrush needs to be replaced every 3-4 months. The reason is that the bacteria and food particles stick to the bristles. Also, ditch your toothbrush soon after using it for your sickness. Similarly, choose your toothbrush based on your dental structure.
- Brushing for Short Time
Most people brush their teeth very fast, but that should not be the case. Dentists recommend spending as little as two minutes brushing your teeth. It is the ideal time for allowing your toothbrush to cover teeth, gums, and tongue.
- Brushing Too Hard
Contrary to popular belief, using a toothbrush too hard on teeth can damage the enamel and make your gums bleed. It is also one of the leading causes of teeth becoming sensitive and weak. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush for gentle and healthy brushing.
- Skipping Floss
Floss can reach where a toothbrush cannot and remove plaques from in between the teeth. Make flossing your teeth daily a habit as it will prevent the buildup of bacteria and tartar and promote good oral health.
- Brushing Immediately After Meal
No doubt, brushing teeth at night is excellent for healthy teeth, but one should refrain from doing it immediately after having dinner. The scientific logic is that acidic foods can weaken the enamel. According to dentists, the ideal time gap between your meal and brushing should be 30-45 minutes.
- Brushing Once In A Day
If you are in the habit of brushing your teeth once a day, better to change it. Not cleaning your teeth twice a day, especially after the night meal, will allow germs to grow in the mouth and cause teeth decay and gumline inflammation.
Dental mistakes happen due to carelessness and lack of knowledge about effective brushing and its consequences. But if you want your teeth to bite for decades and good oral health, get rid of these mistakes or consult a London dentist for any dental issue or suggestion.