Taking care of the mouth is not as simple as most think. Unfortunately, many people commit dental mistakes without knowing; they may even believe that there is nothing wrong with what they are doing. The usual reasons are, they tend to be uninformed or misinformed about oral hygiene. So, for everyone to become aware if they happen to observe the poor practice of oral care, here are some points we at Windy Hill Dental Associates prepared.
Brushing too hardIf you think that brushing harder removes harmful accumulations more effectively—you are mistaken. Brushing the teeth aggressively will cause the teeth to wear away and the gums to recede, causing the teeth to become more sensitive. To avoid this, it is advised for patients to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep the teeth clean without harming the enamel and gums.Cleaning the mouth only in the morningMany people tend to only brush their teeth in the morning to combat bad breath. However, it is at the end of the day when the mouth accumulates a lot of food particles that cling in between the teeth. Unfortunately, when a person sleeps, the mouth tends to produce less saliva, which helps keep bacteria at bay. By not brushing the teeth before bedtime, the patient gives bacteria a perfect environment to thrive. As a result, acid is produced, making it more likely for cavities to form. Brushing once in the morning and at night are non-negotiable; they should be strictly followed.Using only floss picksAlthough using a floss pick is better than not flossing at all, they are not the most effective when compared to water flossers or string floss. Most people don't know how to use picks properly; they may even cause more harm than good by spreading bacteria from one area to another without knowing. It is highly recommended to clean each tooth by using up and down motions that string and water flossers offer.Using just any toothpasteAlthough most toothpastes look similar, there are actually those that are more beneficial to a person's oral health than others. For one, choosing oral products that are tested by the American Dental Association (ADA) is best. Asking a dentist's opinion of the ideal toothpaste to use is a good move since they would consider a person's condition. For example, patients who are susceptible to cavities and gingivitis are often advised to use fluoridated toothpaste.Only schedule an appointment because of painUnfortunately, most people think that if their mouth is not in any pain, they don't need to see a dentist. However, neglecting dental visits up until there is already pain present may mean that the patient needs more intense and expensive treatment. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Instead of seeing the dentist only if there is discomfort, it is best to schedule routine checkups for them to detect and treat complications while early.Everyone deserves outstanding dental care services, that is why we encourage our patients at Windy Hill Dental Associates to book Complete Checkups in Marietta, GA. Doing so allows our dental professionals to know if a patient is doing something wrong with their oral care practices. If that is the case, our team can then provide recommendations for more appropriate dental health care.