3 Oral Hygiene Mistakes Your Dentist Wish You Should Avoid
Teeth are an important part of the body. Therefore, you have to take good care of them to keep them in good shape. Apart from preventing cavities and gum diseases, proper dental hygiene also prevents other health issues such as heart disease. For instance, you might experience a heart attack when plaque build-up in the mouth travels to the bloodstream. So, it's vital to learn proper dental hygiene practices and follow them. It is also crucial to go for regular dental examinations. People who don't follow the right oral hygiene practices might experience severe problems in the future. These are the common oral hygiene mistakes that your dentist wants you to stop:
Skipping Dental Check-Ups
People cancel or miss dental appointments due to various reasons. Some are afraid of dentists, while others find dental costs too high. However, it is important to visit a dentist for check-ups and cleaning regularly. The problem is that most people don't go to the dentist's office unless there is a dental emergency. When you go for your dental appointments, the dentists will spot oral problems early enough. That makes it easier and cheaper to handle these issues. Moreover, regularly visiting the dentist prevents oral issues. Therefore, avoid missing dental appointments to keep your mouth healthy.
Brushing the Teeth Sooner Than Needed
Most people know that it is crucial to brush the teeth after every meal to keep the mouth healthy. However, most individuals don't understand that they shouldn't brush as soon as they are done eating. That's because food contains some acidic elements that make the top enamel layer weak. Therefore, you must wait for a while after eating before brushing the teeth. That will give acids enough time to subside, which will protect the surface of the teeth.
Using a Toothbrush for Too Long
Toothbrushes aren't permanent. After using the toothbrush twice a day for a certain period, the bristles will start weakening. The frayed and worn-out bristles can end up hurting the gums when cleaning the teeth. Worn-out toothbrush bristles also promote the build-up of food particles and bacteria in the toothbrush. Cleaning off these substances is challenging, and the best option is to throw away the toothbrush. The longest you should use a toothbrush before throwing it away is three months.
It is crucial to start developing proper oral hygiene habits from a young age. But that doesn't mean it is too late to start as an adult. Avoid the mistakes listed above and follow your dentist's advice. That will prevent you from dealing with severe dental and health issues. Moreover, it is advisable to regularly visit a dentist close to your family to promote oral health.