Taking care of your teeth seems easy, right? Brush, floss, rinse, and you’re good to go! But many people make simple oral hygiene mistakes that can hurt their teeth and gums. Even if you regularly visit our dentists in Denver, CO, for cleanings and checkups, bad habits at home can cause problems.
Luckily, the team at Metropolitan Dental Care can help you refine your home care for optimal oral health. So, call our Denver, CO, dentists at (303) 534-2626 to get individualized care today!
In today’s post, we take a look at some common oral hygiene mistakes and how to fix them. Let’s get started!
Brushing Too Hard
Scrubbing your teeth like a dirty dish is not the way to go. Brushing too hard can scuff off tooth enamel and hurt your gums.
How to Fix It
Buy a soft-bristled toothbrush and, with the lightest touch, brush in gentle, circular motions. Your teeth should feel clean, not sore!
Not Brushing Long Enough
Many people rush through brushing, only spending 30 to 60 seconds on the task. That’s not near enough to clean your teeth properly! In fact, brushing for the recommended 120 seconds removes over 25% more plaque compared to only 45 seconds of brushing.
How to Fix It
Brush for two full minutes, twice a day. Try using a timer or playing a short song to keep track.
Skipping Flossing
If you skip flossing, you’re not removing all the food and plaque trapped between teeth, which could lead to bad breath, gum disease, and cavities. Subsequently, flossing is a crucial part of oral hygiene.
How to Fix It
Floss every day before going to bed. If string floss isn’t your jam, try floss picks or a water flosser.
Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes don’t last forever! Old brushes have worn-out bristles that don’t clean well.
How to Fix It
Set a reminder on your calendar to change your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles look frayed, replace it sooner.
Brushing Right After Eating or Vomiting
Brushing right after a meal or after vomiting can deal some serious damage to your tooth enamel, as it scrubs tooth-destroying sugar and acid into teeth.
How to Fix It
Rinse your mouth with water if you want to freshen up, but wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Ignoring Your Tongue
Your tongue can hold a surprising amount of bacteria. This leads to bad breath, even if you practice regular oral hygiene.
How to Fix It
A tongue scraper is the perfect tool for removing plaque, bacteria, and food from the tongue.
Using Mouthwash Instead of Brushing
Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it doesn’t replace brushing and flossing.
How to Fix It
Use mouthwash as an extra step, not a replacement. Always brush and floss first!
Skipping Regular Dental Visits
Even if you practice great oral hygiene at home, professional cleanings at Metropolitan Dental Care are important. Our Denver dentists can catch problems before they get worse.
How to Fix It
Schedule a visit at Metropolitan Dental Care every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Don’t wait until you have pain!
Establish Great Oral Hygiene with Our Dentists in Denver, CO
Good oral hygiene isn’t hard, but small mistakes can add up. Fixing these habits will keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Ready to make a change? Request a visit at Metropolitan Dental Care here, or call our office at (303) 534-2626 for a brighter, healthier smile today!
