Most people brush their teeth and are aware of the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth. However dental problems can still occur, even if you are brushing and flossing daily.
Here are some common oral health mistakes that may cause cavities or gum disease:
1. Only brushing in the morning
Most of us have a routine to brush our teeth in the morning. However, brushing before bed is just as important. By the end of the day you will have food debris stuck in your teeth. By not brushing and flossing at night, the bacteria in your mouth has an undisturbed opportunity to cause tooth decay.
2. Brushing your teeth too hard
How you brush your teeth is just as important as the frequency of brushing. Brushing your teeth too hard or using a firm bristled toothbrush can lead to long term effects on your teeth such as teeth sensitivity and enamel abrasion. Using a soft bristle toothbrush or an electric tooth brush may help with ensuring you are not damaging your teeth.
3. Brushing too quickly
It is important to assess your brushing technique to ensure that you are brushing all surfaces effectively. You should place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards your gums and gently brush all areas of your teeth in a small circular motion. You want to brush for at least two minutes, both morning and night. Brushing too quickly can cause you to miss some teeth, especially harder to reach areas. Most electric toothbrushes have built in timers to ensure you brush long enough.
4. Not drinking enough water
Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and ensures that you do not have a dry mouth. It also helps flush out food debris to lower decay risk.
5. Only seeing the dentist when you are in pain
Making a dental appointment only when you are in pain can result in much more complex and expensive treatment opposed to treating decay or gum disease in its earlier stages. Regular hygiene visits and dental exams are essential to allow us to assess the health of your gums and teeth. Our hygienists and dentists will be able to help eliminate any build up and check your teeth and gums for any potential issues.
Want to learn more about keeping your teeth healthy? Schedule an appointment with us today if it’s time for a dental check up!