So, let’s say you’ll attend a dental checkup in the next few days. As part of the appointment, your dentist in Dublin will likely ask about your oral hygiene. Do you want to give them an answer they’ll love? Then let them know you’ve been avoiding some common teeth-cleaning mistakes. Doing so will confirm that you’ve reduced your risk for tooth decay, cavities, and more. But what are the errors to sidestep, you ask? Well, read on to learn about four cringe-worthy ones below.
You Only Brush Once Per Day
While you might think it’s enough, only brushing your teeth once daily won’t keep them clean. In fact, this bad habit can leave plaque at the gum line that causes inflammation. The excess bacteria could also lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Given this reality, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day. Furthermore, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t aggravate your gums.
You Ignore Your Gums
As it turns out, your gums need brushing as much as your teeth. The tissue can recede and expose your tooth roots if they aren’t cleaned well enough. From there, your gums and teeth could become infected and cause tooth loss, bone loss, and worse.
These things being the case, remember to gently brush your gums as part of your twice-daily brushing routine.
You Rush the Brushing
If you aren’t careful, you could easily rush through toothbrushing. After all, most people only spend 45 seconds on each brushing session. That time is more than a minute shy of the suggested duration.
Rather than speedy brushing, make sure you brush twice daily for two minutes a piece.
You Skip the Floss
While it might seem unimportant, daily flossing is as essential to oral health as brushing your teeth. When you don’t do it, plaque gets stuck between your pearly whites and contributes to cavities and gum disease.
Thankfully, there are ways to make flossing easier. For example, you could use water flossers instead of the regular string. Another good idea is not to snap your floss too hard, which can create bleeding gashes in your gums.
When you keep away from the mistakes above, your dentist in Dublin will be pretty happy. That said, go ahead and get started!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck, a dentist based in Dublin, OH, truly values quality dental work. His specialties include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including dental emergencies. He also prides himself on being a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Ohio Dental Association. Dr. Buck currently practices at Distinctive Smiles and is reachable at his website or by phone at (614)-792-1800.