6 Dental Hygiene Mistakes People Tend to Make

wooden toothbrushes

Dental health is essential in living a comfortable life daily. We use our teeth to eat, speak, and put out a smile, which are the most crucial tasks of a person’s day. Taking good care of teeth is essential to avoid emergency dental problems, as these can be expensive and painful to undergo. 
An emergency dentist can help solve dental issues, as these often boil down to a few common tooth cleaning mistakes. There are various techniques that dentists use during cleaning sessions that you may not be paying attention to, and some might not be common knowledge. To avoid dental problems, here are six common mistakes you are making when conducting oral hygiene sessions:

Rinsing After Brushing
If you’ve ever sat on a dentist’s chair, you likely know the awful feeling of having toothpaste in your mouth that you cannot rinse off until after 30 minutes or more. While it is incredibly uncomfortable, they do this for a reason. Rising after brushing your teeth washes all the protective fluoride that comes with toothpaste from protecting the enamel. It is recommended to spit out all the excess toothpaste, but not rinse right after brushing because you lose its effects. 
You might see supermarket shelves stacked full of toothpaste products, and you might not know which ones are the best to use. Dentists typically prefer products that contain plenty of fluoride, as this controls plaque and bacterial growth while whitening teeth. Don’t buy into toothpaste with outrageous claims or higher prices because of a specific ingredient because regular products with adequate levels of fluoride work just fine. 

Brushing too Quickly
People often brush very quickly because of how their lifestyles are fast-paced, and there isn’t enough time to get ready. However, dentists recommend brushing for at least five minutes each time to cover all areas of the mouth well. It will remove bacteria and plaque buildup while leaving it with a freshness that is hard to beat. 

Not Flossing
Some people believe that they can get away with just brushing their teeth multiple times a day. However, it is recommended to use floss at all times because of how it gets into the hard to reach areas that toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Some foods also have particles that get into the crevices between teeth, which will cause bad breath and tooth decay if not removed. Tooth decay can cause various health problems unrelated to oral health due to its infection rates, so be sure to floss through your pearly whites after meals. 

Brushing Hard
While it might seem like brushing hard is an excellent way to remove plaques and bacteria, this method damages the gums and wears down tooth enamels. Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles and use soft but proper motions to brush teeth without wearing them down. 

Not Having a Good Schedule
According to emergency dentists, the bare minimum is to brush twice a day to avoid having trips to the clinic too often. On top of the two times a day, it is recommended to brush at the right times. The most critical times are in the morning and the evening before bed. Additionally, if you’re eating acidic foods or drinking sugary beverages, it is recommended to brush even more times a day for good dental health. 
Conclusion
Dental health is a simple topic that many people don’t get right. Not following the proper protocols when brushing teeth can lead to trips to an emergency dental clinic because of damaged teeth, gums, or excessive tooth decay.
24/7 Emergency Dental Clinic offers emergency dental services in Edmonton, Alberta. We provide various oral hygiene and cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, regular cleaning, dental implants, and cutting-edge products like Invisalign retainers. Book your appointment with us today!

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