There’s no question about it oral hygiene should be a part of every person’s daily routine. You might be practicing dental hygiene, but have you ever thought about the fact that there’s a right way to clean and comfort your teeth? Here’s what you might be doing wrong:
You’re Not Flossing Correctly
Yes, there is a right way and a wrong way to floss. While not flossing at all would be the biggest mistake, you might still be doing your teeth harm if you’re not flossing properly. Make sure you’re not just pushing the floss between each tooth, but instead following the entire shape of the tooth up to the gums in order to remove any plaque or remaining food particles. Never skip a day of flossing but if you want to keep your mouth extra healthy, floss after every meal.
You Don’t Drink Enough Water
Staying hydrated is extremely important to your overall health, but did you also know that drinking water is an essential part of your oral health? The condition of dry mouth should not be taken lightly as it can make the perfect habitat for germs. Drinking water helps you produce saliva which helps to clear your mouth of sugars and acid left by your favorite foods. Bacteria love to finish your leftovers, but drinking lots of water helps to make sure there’s nothing left to feed your unwanted guests.
You Brush Right After You Eat
Your teeth just did a lot of work and now they need a break. Acidic or sugary foods can soften tooth enamel and if you brush while the enamel is vulnerable it could wear down that essential enamel. So instead of running straight for your toothbrush after every meal, wait at least a full thirty minutes before brushing.
You Don’t Brush Long Enough
Just like you can brush for too extensively, not brushing thoroughly enough is also a common problem. You should be brushing twice a day—morning and night, but it’s not just about frequency. It’s also about quality time. Clock yourself, you should be brushing for a solid two minutes every time.
You Whiten Your Teeth Too Frequently
We don’t recommend whitening your teeth at home and instead encourage you to have any cosmetic alterations to your teeth done by a professional. That being said, if you insist on whitening your teeth at home, please do not make it a part of your regular routine. Whitening can remove important enamel and can cause extreme tooth as well as gum sensitivity.
You Don’t Make Regular Visits to Your Dentist
Even if you’re not making any of the mistakes on this list, you still need to see your dentist at least every six months. Dental professionals have tools you don’t have access to at home to give your mouth the greatest cleaning of all. In addition to the fact that you can’t clean your teeth at home as well as your dentist can, it’s also important to get your teeth, gums, tongue, and the rest of your mouth checked out by a professional to take care of any underlying problems that may not be visible to you.
Follow this list and remember that proper care means a healthy happy smile that will last a lifetime. Did you find any mistakes you’ve been making? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to refer back to Dental Hygiene Mistakes You Might Be Making: Part 1.