Never let your teeth make or break your appearance!
Maintaining attractive and healthy teeth requires proper dental hygiene habits, whether it is regular visits to the dentist or good hygiene at home.
To improve your personal habits at home, here are some common dental hygiene mistakes to avoid by the experts at Lacalut.
Mistake #1: Using your toothbrush for too long
The average life of a toothbrush is around two to three months (after consistent use, twice a day). With time, the bristles of the brush will be worn out and broken, and as a result not have the same effect at cleaning your mouth. In addition, regular usage will cause accumulation of bacteria and food particles on the toothbrush.
Tip: Change your toothbrush once the bristles lose flexibility.
Mistake #2: Not brushing your teeth long enough
It is recommended to brush your teeth for about two minutes. Anything shorter than that will not give the fluoride in the toothpaste enough time to attach to your teeth enamels.
Tip: Maintain a steady pace for at least two minutes when brushing your teeth.
Mistake #3: Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth
Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth will cut down the efficiency of fluoride in the toothpaste. This may be done out of habit; however, using mouthwash that contains fluoride is always a better alternative.
Tip: Wait at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before consuming water or any other beverage.
Mistake #4: Storing your toothbrush in the bathroom
A common mistake made by many is storing their toothbrush in the bathroom, which causes the accumulation of various bacteria.
Tip: Putting a lid on your toothbrush prevents bacteria and other particles from making their way to your toothbrush.
Mistake #5: Not flossing
Flossing is required at least once a day to remove plaque from places your toothbrush cannot reach. If these plaques are not removed on a daily basis, they will accumulate and become hardened particles.
There are two options when flossing: individual flossing wires or long flossing cords.Try out what best works for you individually, and begin!
Tip: Make it a habit to start flossing daily.
Mistake #6: Not cleaning your tongue
Cleaning your tongue, after brushing your teeth, is something important for your dental hygiene. By doing so, you will remove bacteria and as a result prevent bad breath. There are various options when cleaning your tongue: tongue scrapers can scrape the residual bacteria; in addition, some toothbrushes have scrapers on the opposite side of the bristles. Using your toothbrush is also an option, but it is not as effective as a tongue scraper.
Tip: Clean your tongue with tongue scrapers, daily!
Mistake #7: Using incorrect brushing technique and motion
When brushing your teeth, using circular motions is more gentle and effective for cleaning teeth gaps. The brush should clean both the teeth and gum line, therefore, a light touch is also more preferable to not harm gums. Sometimes brushing back and forth can unintentionally place a lot of pressure on an individual's gum line.
Tip: Brush your teeth in circles- not back and forth.
Mistake #8: Brushing your teeth frequently
Brushing your teeth more than twice a day will do your teeth more harm than good. Experts agree that excess brushing can damage gums and erodes the enamel on your teeth.
Tip: Brush your teeth two times day and wait at least 30 minutes after a meal to brush your teeth. The mouth’s pH levels drop and saliva becomes more acidic. For this reason, brushing immediately after eating, can rub acids deep into teeth enamels.
Slowly adapt to new dental hygiene habits and initiate the changes needed for a perfect, health and pearly smile!
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