As you already know, dental hygiene is a very important element of your overall health. Not only is a healthy dental hygiene routine beneficial in keeping your teeth shiny white and your breath fresh, but it is also a great tool in preventing issues from popping up in your mouth, such as plaque, gingivitis, and cavities.
Did you know that your level of oral hygiene is directly linked to a higher or lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes? This is because if you have poor dental hygiene, harmful bacteria and substances can make their way into your bloodstream.
While most of us tend to think that our dental hygiene routine is perfect just the way it is, there’s a high probability that you’re making a few common mistakes. Sure, brushing your teeth is important, but it turns out there’s more to the dental hygiene picture than we think.
Let’s take a look at nine common dental hygiene mistakes that are surprisingly common. Chances are, you might be guilty of one or more of these mistakes. If so, you should make an effort to correct your course so that you can keep your dental health in tiptop shape. Let’s dig in.
Forgetting to Brush
We like to think that everyone on this earth remembers to brush their teeth, but studies show that this is simply not the truth. Many people admit to forgetting to brush their teeth, whether it’s due to a busy schedule or a simple lack of second thought.
If you fail to brush your teeth daily, you have a higher risk of issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. You’ll be surprised just how much bacteria can build up in one day.
Brushing Too Quickly
Sure, there might be a few mornings that you brush for thirty seconds to avoid being late to work. That’s fine and dandy, as long as it isn’t a habit. When you don’t brush your teeth long enough, it’s more than likely that you’ll end up with more plaque, gum inflammation, cavities, and bad breath. A healthy rule of thumb is to brush (again, softly) for two minutes.
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing your teeth harder must mean that more bacteria is being removed, right? Well, not quite. In fact, brushing too hard causes more bad than good. It results in enamel abrasion and gum recession, which leads to a bunch of other issues.
If you’re using a hard-headed toothbrush, it’s time to switch. Use a soft-headed toothbrush instead, and you’ll be good to go.
Not Hydrating Enough
Did you know that a dry mouth is a perfect incubator for harmful bacteria to grow? On the other end of the spectrum, staying hydrated and having more saliva helps prevent bacteria growth, since your saliva is a natural antibacterial agent in the mouth.
Unfortunately, most people don’t drink nearly enough water as they should. As a rule of thumb, try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Drinking Sugar-Laden Beverages
Sodas, juices, and even wine are all common sugary drinks that America consumes in excess of. Especially if you don’t brush your teeth right after, having sugars sit in your mouth results in enamel decay, gum disease, and much more. If you can, try swapping out your sugary drinks for black coffee or unsweetened tea. Or water, of course.
Forgetting to Floss
Even though the dentist demands that we all floss every single day, flossing is just one of those things that society tends to forget about or refuse to do. Let’s face it––forcing a string in between each of your teeth isn’t fun. But it’s absolutely necessary. Even if you brush daily, forgetting to floss means excess food and bacteria buildup. This leads to cavities.
Brushing Once a Day
It’s common for people to think that a morning brush is all that’s needed each day. But think about it––you eat breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner afterward. That leaves a lot of room for bacteria to grow and infest your mouth overnight. Instead, dentists recommend brushing three times a day.
Not Seeing the Dentist Regularly
For many families, seeing the dentist only happens when something more serious comes about, such as a broken tooth, toothaches, a need for wisdom teeth removal, etc. However, seeing the dentist regularly is one of the best things you can do to keep your oral health in good shape.
If you haven’t been visiting the dentist lately, aim to start visiting your dentist at least once every six months. Once every three months is even better if you can manage it.
Forgetting to Brush Your Tongue
Just as bacteria builds up in your teeth and gums, so does it build up on the surface of your tongue. Therefore, you mustn’t forget to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth.
Instead of a hard brush, you should also make sure to brush your tongue softly and carefully. As a bonus, a cleaner tongue is a very easy way to keep your breath fresher for longer.
