Having a regular teeth cleaning routine is crucial for your overall dental health. As the main entryway for food and air, your mouth and teeth are constantly exposed to acids, chemicals, and pathogens, which could contribute to faster decay and deterioration. To keep this from happening, every dental clinic in Sarnia advises their patients to practice proper oral care habits.
However, there are some dental care practices that could be causing more harm than good. Such harmful practices include using the wrong toothpaste formula and applying too much pressure. If you are doing any of these things, your oral care habit could be hastening the decline of your teeth.
Here are a few brushing mistakes that you should steer clear of:
1.Brushing too hard
People often associate the intensity of brushing one’s teeth with the quality of cleaning that they perform. However, this is a misconception. Rubbing your teeth with too much pressure could lead to enamel and gum damage. Gums could also bleed as a result since the extreme friction could damage the tissues.
If your toothbrush bristles end up looking worn out and spread apart after brushing, then you need to tone your technique down. Most people often brush their teeth aggressively thinking that it would make their teeth whiter as it removes plaque better. However, if you want a safer way to brighten your smile then go to a dental clinic in Sarnia for professional teeth whitening services.
2.Using hard bristles
Not all toothbrushes are created the same. Brushes come with different patterns, materials, and bristle hardness that provide specific care. Using a toothbrush that‘s too tough for your teeth and gums is a must-avoid practice. This could lead to worn-out enamel and irritated gums since the hard bristles could enforce too much friction. Choose trusted brands and pick the ones with the best bristle texture that matches your teeth.
3.Not regularly changing brushes
Made of rubber and plastic, toothbrushes may seem like they would last for a lifetime. However, this isn’t true. All manufactured toothbrushes will eventually deteriorate with continued use.
From bristle loss, rubber tears, and toothpaste stains, your toothbrush’s exposure to highly-concentrated chemicals and intense pressure can damage it fast.
To make sure that every brushing session is done effectively, make sure to change your toothbrush once every 3 months. This way, you can guarantee that the tools that you’re using in your oral care routine are reliable and safe.
4.Using wrong toothpaste
Usually composed of calcium, fluoride, abrasives, and mint, toothpaste is an integral component of oral care. However, not all toothpaste products are suitable for your teeth. Different brands formulate specific toothpaste products to solve a specific problem.
Certain kinds of toothpaste have chemicals that could be more useful for either teeth whitening, teeth sensitivity, reduced inflammation, or bacterial prevention. Some may even have organic ingredients that could trigger allergies and side effects. To know which toothpaste is best for you, visit the nearest family dental clinic for a consultation.
5.Not brushing tongue
Often neglected, the tongue is your mouth’s bacterial petri dish. Constantly moist, and first to welcome the food and pathogens that enter, it’s more prone to biofilm growth and plaque build-up.
However, simply brushing it vigorously is not enough to remove all the dirt, and doing so may only lead to irritation and cuts. To make sure that you clean your tongue safely and efficiently, use a scraper.
6.Not brushing long enough
Brushing the teeth can be an inconvenient task for some, with others resorting to doing less than the bare minimum. Some individuals may rush the process, thinking that a dollop of toothpaste and gargling would be enough. Even patients who have undergone teeth whitening in Sarnia may think that thorough brushing is unnecessary.
However, it’s important to note that how long you brush your teeth affects your oral health. Take your time and brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
7.Always brushing the same pattern
Brushing patterns matter in oral care. Doing the same thing over and over again can lead you to go on autopilot. This could lead you to neglect certain areas of your mouth. Most people often commit this mistake as brushing becomes a reflex.
To ensure that every area of your mouth is properly cleaned, pay attention to your brushing pattern so you can prioritize different parts.
8.Focusing on the wrong area of the tooth
Cavities and decay often begin at the roots of your teeth, where plaque and tartar can accumulate. The gum line serves as a hotbed for bacteria as these spaces tend to be narrow and hard to brush.
For a more efficient routine, angle your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle for a more focused cleaning of the gums and molars. However, if you think you have inadequate technique, you can always visit a family dental clinic in Sarnia or for a deep cleanse.
9.Not flossing
Flossing is just as important as brushing. By integrating this technique into your oral care habit, you’ll be able to remove deep-seated plaque that has built up along the gum line and in between your teeth.
10.Brushing much or less
Most oral care professionals suggest that every patient should brush their teeth every meal. However, this advice is not applicable to all, as each person has different eating routines and schedules. As long as clean your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed, then you’re already on the right path.
Oral hygiene may seem trivial, but its importance on your overall health cannot be stressed enough. Any ailment that may befall your mouth can affect your entire body. Make sure that you’re doing your best in taking care of your teeth and gums by brushing twice daily.
Another practice you need to add to your dental health care routine is visiting a Sarnia dentist. We at Lambton Family Dental are happy to welcome you if you come in for a consultation. We offer various other services like teeth whitening and dental implants to help you stay on top of your oral health. No matter which dental services you need, we’re there for you. Call us today at 519-344-5747 for an appointment.