Do you feel that you’re carrying out a strong oral routine, yet you’re not seeing the results you’d expect with your teeth? It is very likely that whilst you’re performing the right steps that constitute a strong oral routine, the problem is likely to be that you’re not performing the steps correctly.
There is a difference between performing the steps and the steps correctly. The dentist is always best placed to walk through the oral routine steps with you so if you’re unsure about how to perform some of them, the dentist will recommend changes for you to make so the results you expect with your teeth can finally appear.
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who’s making the common oral hygiene mistakes. It’s natural for many to do this, and we’re here to share what these common oral hygiene mistakes are, so you can resonate with them. These will also help you make the changes you need for stronger oral health.
Let’s break these down and identify what the common oral hygiene mistakes are:
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
There’s a misconception that brushing your teeth hard will lead to better results. Unfortunately, this is wrong and isn’t a mistake you should be making. The soft bristles on your toothbrush need to be pushed gently on your teeth and you should brush using gentle circular motions. Brushing teeth too hard can cause a tooth fracture or a crack. Brushing softer also presents a greater opportunity for the bristles on your toothbrush to pick up bacteria from the mouth.
Not Changing Your Toothbrush
Are you making the mistake of not changing your toothbrush every three months? Like many things, the soft bristles in your teeth have a shelf life. The harder you brush, the softer the bristles become, rendering them useless in cleaning your teeth and clearing your mouth from bacteria. It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every three months.
Not Brushing Your Teeth At Night
After eating, the dentist always recommends that you brush your teeth before you go to bed at night. Many people are compelled to just brushing their teeth in the morning, but neglecting brushing at night before climbing into bed can lead to bad breath and bacteria to remain inside the mouth. Bacteria can combine with food debris inside the mouth, which combine together to build acid, causing tooth decay. Brushing your teeth at night is just as essential as brushing your teeth in the morning.
Avoiding The Gum Line
The gum line is just as important as your teeth. Bacteria can accumulate in the gums as well, and if you do not look after your gums, you’re increasing the chance of gum disease. Always remember to brush at 3 millimetres underneath the gum. Bristles can bend on your toothbrush for this reason. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush up and down softly.
Brushing Your Teeth Immediately After Eating
It is a common mistake to brush too early immediately after eating. This is actually not something you should do. After a meal, the acid is sitting in the mouth, and there is more of a chance of you damaging your enamel. Therefore, it is recommended that you brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after you’ve eaten for better results.
These five common oral hygiene mistakes don’t necessarily mean that you’re performing your oral routine incorrectly, rather you need to make the tweaks as per advice from the dentist for you to see better results for your teeth. Correcting these oral hygiene mistakes, and feasting your eyes on some hidden tips for strong oral hygiene might prove to be the difference between strong and weak oral health.
Are you seeking support for your oral routine? You can book a check-up with us at Wahroonga Dental Group today. We are always welcoming patients with the motivation of helping you leave with a brand new smile. Contact us here and get started on your dental journey with us!