Practicing good dental hygiene habits over time is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It can be challenging to remember everything you should (and shouldn’t) do when it comes to keeping your mouth clean every day. Below are six of the most frequent dental hygiene mistakes your Wicker Park dentist sees.
Not Flossing Regularly
It is more common for patients to brush just when they feel like it, such as right before a dental appointment, rather than regularly. It may seem inconvenient to floss daily, but your dental health depends on it. Over time, brushing alone will not remove plaque between teeth, leading to gingivitis and tooth decay. Flossing every day with standard floss, a floss pick, or a water flosser is recommended.
Brushing Too Often
According to your Wicker Park dentist, you should brush twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. If brushing twice a day, wouldn’t it be even better if we brushed more often? The opposite is true, contrary to popular belief. Brushing wears down your tooth enamel more often, making cavities more likely to form and making your teeth more sensitive. In addition, you shouldn’t brush your teeth immediately after eating sugary sweets or acidic foods. Rinse your mouth out with water instead.
Improper Brushing Technique
Whether you believe it or not, there is such a thing as inadequate brushing. Too much scrubbing can damage enamel and irritate gums. In addition to causing gum recession and tooth sensitivity, this can also increase the likelihood of cavities. Rather than brushing at a 45-degree angle, use gentle circles to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Using The Wrong Tools
How do you know which toothbrush and flossing products are right for you? Consult your Wicker Park dentist first. Patients should often brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect their tooth enamel. The best floss is the floss used daily, so use a product that makes flossing easier to maintain a routine.
Brushing Before Flossing
By flossing and brushing your teeth, you can keep your teeth clean. Otherwise, bacteria can remain between your teeth, spreading around your mouth after you’ve already brushed. By flossing first, you’ll ensure that none of these germs remain when you brush. All that bacteria is swept away with floss and thrown in the trash.
Not Seeing Your Dentist in Wicker Park Regularly
You should see your dentist twice yearly to keep your teeth healthy and clean and prevent issues before they worsen. You risk more invasive treatments if you wait until you experience tooth pain or notice signs of decay or gums pulling away from your teeth. Schedule bi-annual dental appointments to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Dental hygiene is essential to our overall health, so we must ensure we do everything right. Simple changes to your oral hygiene routine can make a huge difference in your smile’s strength and health.