Throughout each day, you think you’re performing the essential steps as part of a strong oral health routine every day, yet all of a sudden, you’ve identified a problem in your mouth you didn’t expect. You’re likely to wonder what this could be. Sometimes, even if you’re actively performing the right steps to keep your teeth and gums strong, it doesn’t necessarily mean positive results all the time. This can be a sign of some common oral hygiene mistakes.
Don’t be surprised that you’re either not:
- a) not performing some of the oral hygiene steps correctly
- b) sneaking in bad habits you’re not consciously aware of that are harming teeth
- c) External factors that are damaging your teeth unexpectedly
These three factors stem from some common oral hygiene mistakes which people always make. Whether the mistakes be small or large, they can end up developing major issues to your oral health.
Do you perform either of these common oral hygiene mistakes?
Not Changing Your Toothbrush
Common oral hygiene mistakes people make include not changing your toothbrush. The soft bristles on your brush become soft and worn out, and cannot necessarily perform the job it needs to. Your toothbrush scrubs bacteria off your teeth, but there is a good chance the bacteria stick to the bristles. This means bacteria could still remain in the mouth after brushing. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three months.
You’re Avoiding Other Parts Of The Mouth
Are you making the mistake of focusing only on your teeth? This means you’re not focusing on other fundamentals of the mouth as well. Your gums are vital to your oral health and the dental hygienist recommends that you place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums using short strokes. Your tongue is also a source of bad breath as bacteria naturally fills up from the tongue. Therefore, perform tongue scraping with your toothbrush or tongue scraper.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking water to stay hydrated is important for your oral health as it prevents dry mouth and bad breath. Water also contains fluoride, a source that helps to fight cavities and strengthen your enamel. Therefore, make sure your intake of water is high every day.
Snacking Before Bedtime
It can be easy to fall into the trap of eating a snack shortly before going to sleep. Doing this invites bacteria and plaque build-up, two sources that contribute to eventual tooth decay. If you consume a snack, you must not go to bed straight away, rather wait a short time to brush your teeth to keep your mouth clean. Also, make sure that snacks do not contain high levels of sugar.
Brushing Teeth Immediately After A Meal
Dental hygienists do suggest brushing your teeth after a meal, but this doesn’t mean it should be performed immediately. It is recommended that you wait between 30 to 45 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. This is because your enamel will be in danger of becoming weaker. The acids created from food can wear away at the enamel because food can soften the enamel temporarily after you’ve eaten. You’re adding to the damage if you brush your teeth straight after.
These are common oral hygiene mistakes that many people make, but can easily be corrected. If you’re concerned about the oral hygiene steps you take and want to seek advice, we at Integrated Smiles Bendigo will gladly help you keep your teeth and gums strong by offering the advice you need.
Simply contact us to book yourself in today!
