You think you take great care of your teeth, so when you get a poor dental diagnosis, it can come as a shock. Unfortunately, routine dental care is not always as straightforward as it may seem. If you are one making one of these common dental mistakes, it can have serious consequences for your oral health.
Dr. Helen Ragsdale of Austin Laser Dentist offers a range of restorative and periodontal treatments. However, her first goal is to prevent dental problems through routine care and by educating patients about dental hygiene. At your routine visits, she can assess your usual care routine and help you make changes to protect your smile.
Contact us to learn more or to make an appointment.
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing your teeth too vigorously can erode your dental enamel. In turn, this will expose the softer layer of dentin, which is more subject to decay. Enamel erosion can also lead to significant dental sensitivity. You could also erode your gums, exposing the dental roots and causing even greater discomfort.
Choose a soft-bristled brush, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and use gentle, back-and-forth strokes.
Spending Too Little Time Brushing Your Teeth
Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Have trouble brushing that long? Set a timer on your phone. Or play a favorite song that lasts at least 2 minutes!
Not Scheduling Your Routine Dental Visits
If you’re not experiencing any problems, it can be tempting to skip your regular dental exams. But in reality, many cavities don’t cause symptoms until they’ve destroyed a large portion of your tooth.
During biannual exams and cleanings, your practitioner can remove the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Your dentist can also diagnose cavities early on, treating them with more conservative restorations.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Hydration is important for nearly every aspect of your health – and your oral wellness is no exception! Water helps to flush bacteria and food particles out of your mouth. It also helps to stimulate saliva production, which plays its own important role in combating tooth decay.
Furthermore, other drinks can have detrimental effects on your smile. Coffee, tea, and wine are notorious for causing tooth discoloration. But the worst culprit is soda – the combination of high acidity and high sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth.
Not Replacing Your Toothbrush Soon Enough
The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. If you notice your toothbrush looking frayed, be sure to replace it sooner.
Storing Your Toothbrush Incorrectly
Stored improperly, toothbrushes can be a hotbed of bacteria. To keep your toothbrush clean, rinse it off in tap water after using it. Store it upright in open air (rather than in a drawer or container). Be sure that it is not touching someone else’s toothbrush, as bacteria can easily transfer from one to another.
Need to carry your toothbrush while traveling? Use a carrier intended specifically for this purpose and take it out when you get to your destination.
Learn More about Common Dental Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
To find out how your oral hygiene stacks up, visit Austin Laser Dentist.
Make an appointment online or call us at (512) 346-4690.
