It’s been drilled into your head since you were old enough to hold a toothbrush: brush your teeth for two minutes three times a day. You might still hum the all too well-known “up and down, round and round” song that you learned at the age of five.
However, according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 80% of adults develop at least one cavity by age 34, so something isn’t quite adding up. While genetics influences your risk of tooth decay, it is not the only cause. This article will walk you through some common dental care mistakes you might be making.
- Not Switching Your Toothbrush As Often
According to studies, many Americans replace their toothbrushes once or twice a year. On the other hand, the Centers for Disease Control suggests replacing your brush every three to four months. Microorganisms that lead to tooth decay and gum disease thrive in old toothbrushes.
Furthermore, outdated bristles on your toothbrush may not effectively remove plaque from your teeth and gum line. Gingivitis, a tooth infection, is spread by using old brushes. When you use the same brush for an extended period of time, the bristles begin to bend out of shape, causing damage to your gums, which recede with time, resulting in gingivitis.
You can find the best dental services in your area with a bit of research. For example, suppose you are a Lake Steven, Washington, resident looking for dental implants or just getting your loose tooth fixed. In that case, you should visit https://lundorthodontics.com/locations/lake-stevens and schedule an appointment with an orthodontist who will guide you through an effective treatment plan.
- Brushing Your Teeth Too Vigorously
There’s a common fallacy that the more we scrub, the better we clean. This is a myth. Aggressive cleaning can, over time, wear down the enamel and cause gum recession, which can result in sensitivity issues and tooth structural loss. Ideally, you should use a soft-headed toothbrush or an American Dental Association (ADA)-approved electric brush with soft heads.
Scrubbing too hard might result in a frazzled brush head, increased sensitivity, and a receding gum ridge in as little as one to two months. Doctors advocate using an electric brush with a pressure meter if you can’t break the habit.
- Not Spending Sufficient Time Brushing Your Teeth
You must take your time when brushing your teeth instead of rushing it. Spend at least two minutes cleaning your teeth and mouth. However, most people rush through the process and only spend 30 to 45 seconds. Speeding up the cleaning method causes problems since your teeth will not be properly cleaned, and germs may proliferate and form cavities.
Furthermore, you should clean your top and bottom teeth at the same time to ensure your dental health. If you find cleaning your teeth for two to three minutes difficult, you should try purchasing an electric toothbrush with a timer.
- Using Mouthwash Instead Of Floss
Mouthwash is a great supplement to any oral hygiene routine, but it cannot take the place of mechanical cleaning in the tight spaces between and around the teeth. Food detritus is broken down in the mouth producing a chemical termed material ‘alba’ after we eat. We have between eight and twelve hours to eliminate the material before it hardens into tartar and plaque, which requires professional cleaning by your dentist. People who floss notice a significant improvement in gum health between dental appointments and getting a better clean.
- Not Flossing Because You See Blood
Patients frequently say that they don’t floss because it causes their gums to bleed. Dentists advise them to floss more frequently in that case. When unhealthy gums are touched, they bleed easily. It’s like having a splinter under your skin that you never get rid of. The body will attempt to correct the condition by delivering blood to the location and attempting to eradicate the infection. The more floss you use, the less you will bleed and the finer your oral health will be.
- Having A Sweet Beverage For Lunch
While consuming sugary sodas or energy drinks throughout the day may keep you mentally sharp, it is bad for your oral health. A 16-ounce can contain up to 30 grams of sugar. Sugars are carbohydrates that oral bacteria prefer and are also acidic, which can cause chemical degradation of your teeth.
If you need a caffeine fix, replace sugary drinks with black or green tea, which are safer for your oral health (and overall health) because they contain fewer sugars. You can also choose coffee. Sip using a straw to avoid stains.
- Purchasing Whichever Toothpaste Is On Offer
All toothpaste is not made equal. The better offer may not be beneficial to you. Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on products because the ADA assures that proper testing has been performed on a certain toothpaste and that it includes the bare minimum of therapeutic components to maintain a healthy, cavity-free mouth.
- Only Scheduling With The Dentist When You’re In Pain
It may be a nuisance to leave work early to go to the dentist, but it’ll save you a lot of suffering in the long term. Visiting a dentist regularly keeps your teeth and mouth healthy. If you wait until you’re in pain to see the dentist, you’re more likely to have a significant problem.
Many people assume that if their mouth does not hurt, there are no problems, and as a result, they do not visit their dentist regularly. However, if individuals fail to see their dentists at regular intervals and correct minor difficulties that may emerge, more intensive and costly treatment may be required.
- Improper Cleaning and Storing of the Toothbrush
When cleaning and storing your toothbrush, it is common to make mistakes. Millions of bacteria can live on your toothbrush and infect your teeth and gums. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush under running water to eliminate any food residue or toothpaste. Furthermore, you should store your brush in an upright posture to ensure that no water drips off. The growth of dangerous bacteria is discouraged by air drying.
Conclusion
It is essential to protect your teeth from harmful germs that can cause cavities. Many of us make frequent mistakes with our dental hygiene; it is crucial to recognize the mistakes you are making with your oral hygiene in order to avoid any dental problems that may result in high dental costs.