Despite a diligent oral care routine, you find yourself yet again hearing your dentist say you have a handful of cavities that need to be treated. As you sit in the treatment chair, you find yourself thinking, “What am I doing wrong?” While brushing and flossing are the foundation of a good dental hygiene routine, improper technique and bad habits can wreak havoc on your teeth and lead to significant tooth decay. Therefore, your dentist in Gainesville is sharing four common oral health mistakes that people make.
Mistake #1: Skipping Bi-Yearly Visits
Whether it is a fear of the dentist or a jam-packed schedule, more and more people are neglecting their routine dental examinations and professional cleanings. In fact, 48% of American adults don’t visit the dentist at least once per year! These appointments play a crucial role in early detection and intervention in an array of dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you prioritize your bi-yearly visits to the dentist.
Mistake #2: Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
Did you know that most Americans only replace their toothbrush once or twice a year? Unfortunately, after a few months, it could actually be doing more harm than good. Once the bristles fray, they become virtually ineffective. This can lead to aggressive brushing, which can irritate and inflame your gums. Also, older toothbrushes become a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if you were recently sick. Therefore, it is important to set a reminder on your phone to replace your toothbrush every three to four months!
Mistake #3: Warning Symptoms Are Ignored
Whether it is a dull toothache or bleeding gums when you floss, red flags are often written off instead of immediately being addressed. This can cause damage to your teeth and gums to develop into a much bigger and more costly issue. Plus, significant dental issues, like gum disease, can negatively impact the rest of your body. Therefore, you must schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as any abnormal symptoms arise.
Mistake #4: Not Brushing Your Tongue
Your tongue takes up a large amount of real estate in your mouth. When it is not cleaned properly, the millions of bacteria on it can continue to reproduce and spread to your teeth and gums. To prevent this from occurring, you must clean your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper both morning and night.
To ensure you have a healthy smile, it is important to prioritize more than just a proper brushing and flossing routine. Therefore, make sure to avoid the above common oral health mistakes that most people make. That way, you can enjoy a beautiful, bright smile for years to come!
About the Author
In addition to obtaining his undergraduate degree from USC, Dr. Shue Her earned his doctorate at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. However, his extensive education doesn’t stop there. He also learned Chao Pinhole Surgery from the inventor himself, studied Full Arch All-On-4 implant restorations, and attended courses in CEREC through the reputable Dawson Academy. If you would like to speak with him about improving your oral health at Lifetime Dental, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 770-536-6688.