Most people are taught tooth brushing basics by their parents whilst young and generally, this is a positive thing. But sometimes people are given brushing advice that negatively affects their teeth and the brushing habit continued over many years leads to dental problems. Here are 7 of the worst oral hygiene mistakes that should be avoided.
Using the same toothbrush for years
Change your toothbrush at least every three months to keep your brushing effective. Generally, after three months, the bristles on your toothbrush become stiff, worn and less effective.
Using a hard toothbrush
Using a medium or hard toothbrush can cause oral abrasion and gum recession. A soft toothbrush gently cleans whilst ensuring that no damage is done during the brushing process.
Skipping the floss
Brushing can’t reach all areas of your teeth. Debris within cracks and crevices as well as plaque build-up near the gum line can be missed with brushing alone. Daily flossing ensures that most areas of your teeth are properly attended to.
Forgetting your tongue
Brush your tongue and inside your cheeks as well. These areas harbour bacteria that can contribute to bad breath and tooth decay
Brushing too hard
Go easy on your pearly whites. As long as your toothbrush is making contact with your teeth there’s no need to add forceful pressure. Excessive pressure can wear down your tooth enamel and cause receding gums.
Chewing gum after eating
Always try to chew gum after eating to dislodge remaining food particles from on and between your teeth. Chewing gum increases saliva flow and also reduces the acidity left after food consumption. Remaining acidity can lead to bacterial growth. Talk to your dentist about the availability of calcium-enriched chewing gum which can help strengthen enamel.
Brushing right after eating
Wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. Acidic foods weaken tooth enamel and brushing immediately after food can cause enamel to weaken further. Give your saliva time to neutralise the acid before brushing your teeth. Chewing gum can speed up this process.
Remember to visit your dentist for check-ups and teeth cleaning twice a year. Regular cleaning will remove plaque build-up so that you can avoid gum disease. Visiting your dentist is an important step in maintaining good oral hygiene so call to make a dental appointment today.
