It’s important to review how you take care of your teeth, even if you think your brushing and flossing techniques are on point. Making your oral health a priority is important not only for the wellness of your teeth and gums, but for your entire well-being. This includes seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings, but also tending to your teeth properly at home.
Here are just some of the practices that seem like a good thing but these habits could actually be damaging your oral health:
- Brushing too hard. Work smarter, not harder. Putting too much muscle into your brushing efforts does not remove more plaque and bacteria, nor does it clean your teeth faster. Instead of thoroughly removing plaque and bacteria, vigorous brushing contributes to receding gums and therefore exposes more of your teeth to bacteria, which increases the risks of tooth decay, infection, and gum disease.
- Brushing your teeth for too long. When it comes to brushing your teeth, the focus should be on quality over quantity. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t brush your teeth twice a day – you should – but brushing for any longer than three minutes at a time can damage tooth enamel, lead to exposure of the underlying dentin, make teeth look like they are discolored, and cause tooth sensitivity.
- Using the wrong kind of toothbrush. Receding gums or increasingly sensitive teeth are not only signs that you’re using too much pressure on your teeth when brushing, these effects could also indicate that you’re using a toothbrush with the wrong kind of bristles. A hard-bristled brush may feel more effective at removing plaque, but a soft-bristled brush is kinder to your teeth and gums. You may want to discuss the benefits of and recommendations for an electric toothbrush with your Johns Creek dentist. An electric brush uses a rotating head that makes plaque removal easier without greater force, doing the work for you when it comes to pressure and the right amount of time for cleaning your teeth.
- Not flossing enough. Flossing may seem like an optional activity that you only need to do every few days. Taking care of your oral health with dental floss, however, is a daily necessity. You’ll be amazed to see how much plaque and how many food particles you remove by flossing properly every day. A toothbrush can’t do everything. Thank goodness for dental floss.
Visit Your Johns Creek Dentist for Good Oral Health
Taking care of your teeth is a priority. Making sure you’re doing it the right way is a priority too. Along with adjusting your brushing and flossing techniques to be kinder to your oral health, replacing your toothbrush every three months at a minimum (so you always have an effective toothbrush), it’s essential to honor your scheduled dental cleaning appointments every six months. Your will receive a thorough cleaning and flossing at your Johns Creek family dentistry practice, as well as a dental exam and oral cancer screening.
Regular dental visits are also the time when any oral health problems can be identified. You may need restorative dentistry for cavities, or you may want to discuss cosmetic dentistry options for unsightly teeth. No matter what your oral health questions are, make your appointment Hello Family Dental general dentistry practice, serving Johns Creek, Suwanee, Duluth and the surrounding areas.
