If you are like most people, you probably take care of your teeth in one way or another. However, there are certain common mistakes that could be compromising your dental health. The general guidelines to caring for your teeth are pretty simple, but there are some subtleties involved in proper tooth and gum care. In addition, some people have little or wrong information concerning their dental health, while many more simply get lazy with time. Some of the most common dental health mistakes today include:
Assuming that brushing is enough
Brushing your teeth is important, but should not be taken as the only factor to a healthy mouth, teeth and gums. It is impossible to reach every part of your mouth with a toothbrush, which is why you need to floss between your teeth daily and rinse using mouthwash for proper dental health.
Failing to brush Jaw Bone Infection After Tooth Extraction at bedtime
Dentists generally recommend brushing your teeth three times a day. However, if you cannot manage that, you should at least try to brush them before you go to bed for proper dental health. This will keep your mouth free of bacteria during the hours that you are asleep. This is also the time that the mouth is most at risk; your mouth may dry up, providing the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.
Too much sugar in your diet
High sugar content in your diet is not just bad for the waistline – it could also affect your dental health. Snacking on candies, chewing gum and drinking lots of sweet sodas and juices during the day are some common causes of cavities and general tooth damage. In addition, Dental Caries Singular carbohydrates contain starches and sugars that might encourage tooth decay. Sugars typically form a coating on your teeth and the natural bacteria in your mouth convert them into acids. These acids could easily break down the tooth enamel, resulting in cavities.
Smoking and alcohol use
There is a higher rate of gum disease and rapid loss of bone around the teeth among smokers in comparison to non-smokers. In addition, smoking, chewing tobacco regularly and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with oral cancer.
Exposing your teeth to trauma
Chewing on ice or a pencil may seem harmless to you, but it may be tough on your teeth and could lead to damage. Chewing ice or other objects, or grinding your teeth because of stress could wear out your tooth enamel rapidly and ultimately compromise your dental health. Bruxism, the unconscious grinding of your teeth, could also cause a painful jaw condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. An experienced dentist can easily tell from examining your teeth that you are grinding them and may recommend a mouth guard to avoid unconscious grinding while you sleep.
Skipping visits to the dentist
Although your teeth may look and feel fine, this does not mean they are in good shape. In fact, significant damage has already been done by the time most people experience pain. Regular visits to the dentist are therefore recommended every six months for a checkup and cleaning. In addition, finding a dentist that you are comfortable with will help you stick to your appointments and enhance your dental health.