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Most of us know that we should brush our teeth twice a day and floss regularly. And we all think we’re doing it right. Yet, cavities still happen. Gums still get inflamed. Your dentist still gives you that look.
What could you be doing wrong?
Turns out, most people aren’t just brushing their teeth incorrectly, but they’re also skipping a few crucial steps in their routine altogether.
Here are five common oral hygiene mistakes that might be doing more harm than you think.
1. Brushing Too Hard
If you’re pressing your brush into your teeth like you’re scrubbing a stain, stop. And don’t do it anymore.
Overbrushing or brushing too hard can wear away your enamel and irritate your gums. The result can be:
- Sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Bleeding gums
- Even decay
To avoid further damage to your dental health, start using gentler and circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Think of it like massaging your teeth instead of scrubbing them.
2. Skipping Regular Cleanings
Even if you’re brushing and flossing every day, plaque and tartar still build up in places you can’t reach. This is where professional cleanings come in.
Regular appointments should be scheduled every six months. If you’re in Toronto, Canada, a dental cleaning Toronto can help remove the gunk that toothbrushes can’t reach. Professionals can also catch small issues before they turn into bigger and expensive problems.
3. Using the Same Toothbrush for Too Long
Old toothbrushes are not good at doing their job anymore. Just like you wouldn’t use a dirty, worn-out dish sponge to wash your dishes, your toothbrush needs replacing as well.
You should be swapping out your toothbrush or brush head every three months, or sooner if the bristles look worn out. This helps keep things hygienic and effective.
Also, don’t forget to rinse your brush and store it upright so it can air dry.
4. Ignoring Your Gums
If your brushing routine only focuses on your teeth, you’re missing half the battle.
Gum health is essential to your overall oral health. Neglected gums show up in the form of:
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
- Periodontitis, in extreme cases
Keep your brush aligned slightly toward your gumline to wipe away the bacteria and plaque hiding there. And if you notice an issue with your gums and not your teeth, you should still visit a dentist.
If you’re in Ontario, look for a dentist Oakville who can assess your health and spot early signs of gum disease. You can’t grow back the gums you lose, so take this seriously.
5. Using Mouthwash as a Substitute for Flossing
Flossing may be annoying, but not doing it means you’re leaving about 35% of your tooth surface uncleaned. And while mouthwash is a nice bonus, it’s not a replacement.
Swishing some liquid around your mouth doesn’t make it get underneath the gumline or between your teeth and remove food particles. That’s what flossing is for.
You can use mouthwash after brushing and flossing if you want extra protection or fresher breath, but never in place of them.
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