Oral hygiene mistakes you are probably doing
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
It is important to maintain good dental hygiene routine in the right way. Mistakes are common but remember it harms. These are the few mistakes that people often make and unknowingly harming their oral health.
1) Using the same toothbrush for a long time
Using the same toothbrush for a long time is the biggest mistake that most people do. It is highly recommended to change your toothbrush every three months. If you notice your toothbrush is getting frayed you have to change it immediately and if the bristles bend, your toothbrush is in good condition. Also change your toothbrush after being sick, if you fail to do this you will re-infect yourself.
2) Brushing as soon as eating
Brushing immediately after eating affect your enamel. You have to wait for thirty minutes to brush after eating if you have consumed acidic foods. Foods that are acidic such as orange, grapes, and lemons weaken tooth enamel. You have to give time for your saliva to neutralize the acid before brushing your teeth. Brushing as soon as eating causes more harm than good.
3) Not cleaning the tongue
Your tongue is another target for bacteria to accumulate. It greatly accumulates in between the taste buds and other tongue structures. These bacteria cause tooth damage and bad breath. It is necessary to remove the bacteria in the tongue by brushing or cleaning.
4) Not flossing
Most of the people do not bother about flossing. You have to give the same importance that you are giving to brushing. Brushing can’t clean your teeth completely as it can’t reach all the areas of the teeth. The plaque that builds up near the gum line cannot be removed only by brushing.
5) Brushing only in the morning
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. Most people won’t do this and they brush only in the morning. Brushing twice a day helps prevents tartar build-up. The Plaque when undisturbed converts into tartar and this process takes about a day to complete. Tartar makes your teeth unattractive by changing your color of teeth to yellow. Also brushing twice prevents from bad breath, keeps your teeth whiter and improves your health of gum.
6) Brushing harder
Many peoples think brushing harder wipe off bacteria easily and makes your teeth whiter. It is completely wrong. If your toothbrush makes contact with your mouth that’s enough and you don’t need to add some extra force. Too much of pressure weakens tooth enamel and causes receding gums and exposing the roots of teeth. Just brush in gentle and circular motions.
7) Failing to rinse
It is important to rinse your mouth after eating to remove remaining food particles in between your teeth. They won’t go simply by brushing. They reduce the acidity left after eating and the remaining acidity leads to bacterial growth.
8) Frequently eating snacks
Eating sweet occasionally is fine, but for prolonged and repeated times accelerate the start and growth of cavities in the teeth. Frequently eating snacks can raise a person’s risk of getting cavities, especially if it contains starch or sugar substances.
9) Brushing quickly
You will be rushing to get ready for school, college or work and you don’t want to skip brushing. So you give a little effort to brush that is worse. Dentists prefers brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. Spend your time in brushing and your teeth will thank you with a beautiful smile.
