What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is there a pearly white smile, or is there some build-up of residue that you can’t seem to get rid of?
Dental hygiene is remarkably important not just for your smile, but for your overall health. Your mouth is the path to your respiratory and digestive systems, and in certain cases, poor oral hygiene lead to cardiovascular disease and pneumonia.
This can only be prevented with a proper dental hygiene routine. And for the sake of making sure it’s done right, here are six mistakes in dental hygiene you need to avoid.
1. Failure to Floss
Improper flossing or not flossing at all results in 40% of each tooth not being cleaned. If you want to truly want to keep your teeth clean, you must know how to floss properly.
There are a variety of techniques for flossing, such as the traditional string method, picks, irrigators, etc. Whichever technique you choose, ensure that you floss between each tooth at the gumline. Also, it’s best to floss before you brush your teeth, as brushing eliminates particles and plaque that or released during flossing.
2. Not Brushing Your Teeth Long Enough
You may think you already know how to brush teeth. However, you may be doing some things wrong, including not brushing long enough.
If you’re rushing through the tooth-brushing process, you could be making major mistakes, such as missing the back teeth where cavities most commonly form. You should set a timer on your phone for two minutes, or consider getting an electric timed toothbrush.
3. Brushing Too Hard
If you’re being too aggressive when brushing, you could be causing enamel abrasion and gum recession. This can cause sensitivity problems as well as damage to the tooth structure.
4. Not Brushing at the Right Times
Some people don’t brush their teeth in a timely and appropriate manner. This includes people who only brush in the morning to avoid bad breath. This is a major problem, as saliva that helps to clean teeth is less active at night.
Another issue is people who brush immediately after eating. Enamel is actually more sensitive after eating, so brushing after eating could actually be doing more harm than good.
5. Using the Wrong Dental Hygiene Products
Not all toothpaste, whiteners, flosses, or any products are created equal. Whatever product you use on your teeth should have an American Dental Association (ADA) stamp. The ADA does all the proper testing and verification to ensure the product has all the necessary ingredients for dental care.
6. Not Going to the Dentist Regularly
You shouldn’t only go to the dentist when your teeth hurt. Regular cleanings are vital to maintaining dental hygiene and oral health.
Get your regular scheduled cleaning done with a professional. You should have a dental checkup every six months. Failure to do so could result in nasty complications down the line.
Avoid These Mistakes in Dental Hygiene
Now that you know about these common mistakes in dental hygiene, your more likely to be more careful. Take this information seriously and start protecting your dental health. You’ll have a better chance at good overall health, and your smile will be all the more pearly white.
For more on improving dental health, visit our Health section.
