When it comes to your oral hygiene regimen, consistency and technique are important. Otherwise, you could be vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health concerns! Luckily, these are largely preventable. In addition to implementing a solid dental care regimen, keep reading to learn six common teeth-cleaning mistakes you should avoid!
Brushing Too Hard
In short, forcefully brushing your teeth will not provide a deeper cleaning. In fact, it can end up eroding your enamel and damaging your gums. So, if the bristles on your toothbrush are frayed, don’t apply so much pressure! Focus on gently working in circular motions to remove food particles, plaque, and debris.
Not Flossing Consistently
Flossing is crucial. Not only does it clean between your teeth, but it removes plaque from along your gumline as well. That’s why it’s so important to consistently floss each morning or evening. Note: if you find that traditional floss is too boring or difficult, try using an oral irrigator instead!
Skipping Your Biannual Dental Checkups
Over the years, many patients have adopted the belief that biannual dental checkups and cleanings are optional. That’s not the case! These routine visits are crucial because they allow your dentist to screen for oral cancer, check for cavities, examine your restorations, and much more. Plus, the cleaning portion provides a more thorough and meticulous cleaning than your at-home dental care regimen.
Not Brushing for a Full Two Minutes
Time matters! Quickly brushing your teeth for 30 seconds simply won’t do the trick. To give them a good clean, removing plaque and food particles in the process, you must brush for two full minutes. To reinforce this habit, use the timer on your phone to monitor yourself.
Forgetting to Replace Your Toothbrush
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. That way, you aren’t “cleaning” your teeth with frayed, old, and dirty bristles. If you have trouble remembering to make the switch, try putting a reminder in your phone or getting an electric toothbrush with automatic replacements.
Neglecting to Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great oral hygiene tool – it helps clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth! Plus, it helps clean your tongue, gums, the roof of your mouth, and other areas that often are missed. If you’re unsure which mouthwash is best for you, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. You should also monitor your use since most brands recommend swishing with it for 30 to 60 seconds for maximum effectiveness.
Now you know what teeth-cleaning mistakes you should avoid to ace your next dental exam!
About the Author
Before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Dr. Michael C. Byars obtained his undergraduate degree at William Jewell College in Liberty. Now, he has well over a decade of experience helping others smile. To this day, he prioritizes continuing education. In fact, he completes far more CE credits than required to ensure he provides those in his treatment chair with only the best. If you have a question about preventive dentistry or would like to schedule your biannual checkup, don’t hesitate to visit his website or call (816) 781-8222.