4 Oral Hygiene Mistakes You Might Be Making
Even if you think you’re doing all the right things in terms of your dental care habits, you could be making some mistakes without knowing it. Whether it’s brushing too vigorously or using the wrong kind of toothbrush, people make several common mistakes when it comes to their oral hygiene routine.
Below, we’ll highlight four dental care mistakes that we frequently see at Dental Avenue Parramatta and explain how to correct them. Continue reading to find out if you’re making any of these errors and put them to an end today.
Brushing too hard
Many people don’t realise that it’s possible to overbrush your teeth, but it’s a prevalent problem that dentists see often. If you apply too much force when you brush, you could remove some of your enamel, leaving your teeth more sensitive.
Simultaneously, brushing too hard can permanently damage your sensitive gums and cause them to recede. Eventually, this could lead to tooth decay since your teeth don’t have as much protection from bacteria and food particles.
You’re probably overbrushing if you notice that the bristles on your toothbrush get flat within a few weeks. Instead, use short and gentle movements, slowly working your way around your entire mouth.
Not flossing correctly
Like brushing, did you know that there is a right (and wrong) way to floss your teeth? You might be flossing incorrectly if you’re reusing the same section of floss throughout your mouth or if you aren’t getting into your gum line.
When you’re ready to floss, rip off a piece of floss about 45-50 centimetres long and pull it tight between both of your middle fingers. Carefully glide the floss between your teeth and around your gum line. Be sure to use a clean piece of floss in between each tooth.
Using the wrong kind of toothbrush
When you’re buying a new toothbrush, you’ve probably noticed all of the medium- and hard-bristled brushes on the market. You might even have one in your bathroom right now. But in reality, these firmer toothbrushes can damage your teeth and gums (especially if you’re brushing too vigorously).
Instead, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush. They’re more gentle on your mouth but still effective enough for a solid clean. If you’d like, you can also buy one with rounded tips, which are even softer on your enamel, teeth, and gums.
Not brushing long enough
Finally, it’s also important to brush your teeth for the correct amount of time every day. If you’re only doing a quick swipe through your mouth each day, you’re probably not brushing for long enough.
For adults, the Australian Dental Association recommends a two-minute brush twice per day. That’s 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth every time you brush. If you find it challenging to meet that goal, pass the time by popping on your favourite playlist or podcast or grab a family member to brush with you.
Looking for a new dentist in Parramatta? At Parramatta Dental Avenue, we provide general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and preventative solutions to keep your smile in great shape. Call us on 1300 315 540 or book an appointment online with our dental clinic Parramatta.
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