Maintaining oral hygiene is important if you want to keep your mouth and teeth clean. As per WHO, 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases around the world. Furthermore, it is essential to use proper dental hygiene instruments in order to protect yourself from cavities and infections. Using the accurate instruments will remove any remaining food particles.
In the following article, we will take a look at some common dental hygiene mistakes in dental clinics and at home and how to avoid them. We will also see why using accurate dental hygiene instruments is important.
Common Dental Hygiene mistakes
- Brushing too hard
Brushing your teeth aggressively may harm your gums and cause bleeding or even damage the enamel of your tooth. Avoid using stiff toothbrushes that can damage your teeth and brush gently. Try using toothbrushes that have soft bristles. Consult an oral surgeon for further guidance regarding brushing.
- Brushing time
Brushing for a time shorter than 2 minutes will lead to bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth thus causing an infection. Consider using dental hygiene instruments such as electric toothbrushes that have a built-in timer. This will help you brush your teeth within the time limit and for 2 minutes, as suggested by your dentist.
- Neglect Flossing
Neglecting flossing will cause buildup of plaque and bacteria in your teeth, leading to infections and cavities. Make sure you floss properly daily in order to avoid food particles from getting stuck and staying inside your teeth for a longer time.
- Ignored tongue cleaning
Not cleaning your tongue can lead to bad breaths and allow bacteria to buildup in your mouth causing infection and mouth ulcers. Ask your dentist to use dental hygiene instruments such as a tongue scraper to clean your tongue.
- Keeping old toothbrush
Using a toothbrush that has worn out bristles will not help. The bristles will not clean your teeth and gums properly. Keep good dental instruments with you for teeth cleaning and keep your toothbrush clean. Also make sure to change your brush every three months for good dental health.
- Consuming too many sugary and acidic foods
Eating a lot of sugar and acidic foods will damage the enamel of your tooth and cause cavities and gum diseases. Protect your teeth and gums from bacteria and stop consuming excessive amounts of sugar.
- Ignoring gum health
Around 1 billion people are affected by gum diseases every year worldwide. Make sure to protect your gums as well. Ensure that your dental insurance is up to date and visit your oral surgeon regularly to avoid any gum diseases.
- Excessive teeth whitening products
Using an excessive amount of teeth whitening products will damage your tooth enamel and make your teeth sensitive. Follow the instructions of your oral surgeon and make sure to not allow overuse of teeth whiteners for your teeth at dental clinics.
Precautions for better oral health
- High quality Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Choose good dental hygiene instruments, like high quality toothbrushes to avoid plaque build up in your mouth. Make sure to use toothpastes of good companies, ones that are gentle on your gums and good for your oral health.
- Mouthwash everyday
Use mouthwash everyday in order to avoid bad breath. Consult your oral surgeon and use a good mouthwash, preferably antiseptic that kills germs and bacteria inside your mouth. This will protect your mouth from bad breath as well as bacteria.
- Apply proper flossing techniques
Consult your oral surgeon regarding flossing techniques and floss properly to avoid plaque buildup in your mouth and remove the food stuck between your teeth. Wrap 18 inches of floss around your fingers and gently start flossing tooth by tooth to remove any stuck pieces of food. With good dental insurance, you will be able to get full guidance on flossing techniques.
- Regular Dental check-ups
Regular dental checkups will help prevent gum diseases and cavities. Your dentist will take a quick review of your teeth and gums and inform you of any changes in your oral health. In case of any infection, he or she may suggest getting dental treatments. Make sure you have proper dental insurance to get a good treatment.
- Fluoride treatments
Fluoride protects your tooth enamel and helps protect your teeth against cavities. Fluoride treatments are used at dental clinics. You may have noticed the use of gels, foams and rinses at your dentist’s office. These are fluoride based and are great for kids as well as adults. Fluoride will protect your teeth from cavities and infections.
- Dietary Counseling
Good oral hygiene is necessary to maintain if you want to avoid dental issues. If you want to make sure that your teeth remain clean and healthy, make sure you follow dietry guidance. Cut back on sugary food and eat a nutrient rich diet to help avoid cavities and infections
- Drink more water
Water is a natural rinse that helps protect your mouth and teeth from sticky food items. Drink more water to wash away some, if not all of the sticky food between your teeth.
- Avoid using tobacco products
Tobacco is one of the biggest culprits of bad oral health. It not only harms your gums, but can cause oral cancer if you do not stop consuming tobacco. If you are a smoker and want to quit, make sure you consult a good oral doctor to guide your regarding a proper rehab plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining good hygiene is important if you want to stay healthy overall. Avoiding some very common dental hygiene mistakes such as neglecting flossing, using an old toothbrush, smoking, and giving up on regular check ups will help with oral hygiene. Make sure to use accurate dental hygiene instruments for your teeth.
If you are trying to keep up on your dental checkups and are looking for a good clinic, there is not better answer than Lycian Dental Clinic. We at Lycian provide free consultation and help you get your healthy smile back.