A healthy smile is a happy smile! Your oral health matters and having a white and bright smile will absolutely work wonders for your self-confidence. And there’s no better way to ensure optimal oral health than by cleaning your teeth on a regular basis. But when it comes to practicing oral hygiene, there are some crucial mistakes that you should be careful not to make. Here’s more from your dentist in Frisco about five common mistakes that people often make when caring for their pearly whites.
#1: Not Brushing Twice Per Day
Dentists don’t just arbitrarily tell their patients to brush their teeth twice a day—they do so because brushing once simply isn’t enough! When plaque is given the chance to accumulate at the gumline, it can trigger inflammation that gradually causes the gum tissue to peel away from the root of the tooth, ultimately leading to total tooth loss. But brushing twice a day for two minutes each time can counteract this and help keep your teeth and gums vital.
#2: Ignoring the Gums
Your teeth are important, but your gums are actually just as important—after all, they’re responsible for anchoring your teeth in place. This means that neglecting them will usually lead to problems that directly affect your teeth. That said, be sure that you’re gently brushing your gums in addition to brushing your teeth; a firm but gentle amount of pressure is all you need to apply. Also don’t forget to floss; flossing is what allows you to clean the places in your mouth that your brush can’t reach!
#3: Using an Old or Worn Toothbrush
Over time, your toothbrush’s bristles naturally become frayed and broken, which greatly reduces its ability to clean your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, to ensure its efficacy. You should also get a new brush if you’ve recently been sick, as germs can sometimes lurk between the old brush’s bristles and reinfect you. You might also consider what type of brush you’re picking up when it’s time for a new one; electric toothbrushes are easier to use than manual ones and are also much more effective.
#4: Brushing Too Hard
Too much of a good thing can sometimes be bad—and this is certainly the case with brushing your teeth. In fact, brushing too hard is actually just as damaging to your pearly whites as not brushing them at all! Overbrushing or using a hard-bristled brush can irreversibly wear down your enamel and your gum tissue. This also leads to hypersensitivity in most cases. Be sure you’re applying the correct amount of pressure while you’re brushing; if the bristles are being squashed against your gums, be gentler!
#5: Going Overboard with Whitening Products
Many store-bought whitening products claim that they’ll give you a whiter and brighter smile, but you should exercise caution when applying these products and be sure not to overuse them. This can lead to uncomfortable issues like increased sensitivity, enamel abrasion, and more. Turning to your dentist for teeth whitening is often the best and safest option, hands down.
Even if you practice good oral hygiene, it’s all for nothing if you’re making critical errors that set your smile back! Knowing what mistakes to avoid and how to do things the correct way will ensure a lasting, beautiful smile for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar has proudly served patients and families in the Frisco, TX area for several years. Dr. Parmar received her dental doctorate from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her practice is pleased to offer many available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry options. If you’d like to arrange a visit, feel free to contact Dr. Parmar through her practice’s website or over the phone: (972) 972-4646.