Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for living a healthy and happy life. With the right practice of dental hygiene, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other mouth-related issues. However, many people make mistakes in maintaining oral hygiene that should be avoided.
In this article, we will explain the 7 top oral hygiene mistakes that must be avoided for good dental health.
1. Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
Studies have shown that 75% of people do not replace their toothbrushes frequently enough. They replace the toothbrush once or twice a year. An old toothbrush can be a breeding ground for microorganisms that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, an old toothbrush can effectively remove tartar and plaque on your teeth and gum line. However, dentists recommend replacing it after three or four months.
2. Using The Wrong Toothpaste
Not all toothpastes are equal in providing benefits to your teeth. People often use toothpaste that is easily accessible and inexpensive; however, this is not a good practice. Your dentist may also recommend quality toothpaste, such as Dioxibrite toothpaste, which is made with effective ingredients for your teeth’s health.
3. Brushing Too Hard
Many people think brushing can hardly wipe off bacteria easily and make their teeth whiter. But it’s not true. Excessive brushing effort can weaken tooth enamel and cause gum bleeding, potentially exposing the tooth roots. To avoid these issues, you should brush gently in circular motions.
4. Going to Bed Without Brushing
Most people brush their teeth only in the morning. At the same time, dentists recommend brushing teeth twice a day, first in the morning and second before going to bed. When you skip brushing before going to bed, food particles remain inside your teeth, allowing bacteria to grow and lead to cavities, tartar, and plaque.
Tarter makes your teeth appear unattractive by changing their color to a yellowish hue. Brushing your teeth twice a day helps prevent bad breath, keeps them white, and maintains healthy gums.
5. Not Flossing
Flossing deserves the same importance as brushing in oral hygiene. Only brushing can’t clean your teeth thoroughly, as the toothbrush bristles can’t reach all areas of the teeth. Around the gum line, plaque cannot be removed with simple brushing, so flossing is essential for proper cleaning.
6. Brushing as Soon as Eating
Brushing immediately after eating can damage your enamel. You should brush your teeth 30 minutes after a meal, especially if you have consumed acidic foods. Acidic foods, such as oranges, grapes, and lemons, can weaken tooth enamel.
Give time for your saliva to neutralize the acid before brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth soon after eating can cause more harm than good.
7. Skipping Regular Checkups
Regular dental check-ups are essential for oral health. Many people skip regular dentist visits and only visit when they have pain. Skipping regular checkups can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Regularly checking your teeth helps prevent plaque, tartar, and other oral diseases. A dentist can identify the problems and address them before they become more severe.
