5 Bad Dental Behaviors and Their Correct Counterparts

At California Dental Group, we do everything we can for our patients when they’re in our offices but the bulk of their oral health depends on their home oral care routine. Over the years we’ve learned that many clients want to take good care of their teeth but don’t necessarily know what to do and what to avoid. Following are five bad dental behaviors many people don’t realize are bad, along with their correct counterparts.

1. Using a hard brush

Many patients assume that the harder the bristles of their toothbrush are, the better it’s cleaning their teeth. This simply isn’t true. In fact, if you brush with a toothbrush that has harder-than-necessary bristles, you could be wearing your gums away and eroding your tooth enamel. We recommend brushing with a soft-bristled brush, which is not only easier on your gums and enamel but can get in between teeth more easily.

2. Not flossing correctly

Ideally, we’d like to see our clients floss every day but we know that’s not the case for many people. However, no matter how often you floss, if you’re not doing it correctly it’s not going to work as well as it should. Taking just a few minutes to do it correctly can have a huge impact on your overall oral health. If you’re not sure about your technique, ask your dentist at California Dental Group the next time you come in for a cleaning and exam.

3. Not protecting your teeth when you’re playing sports

If you don’t wear a mouthguard when you’re playing sports, you’re putting your teeth at risk of being chipped or broken, and you’re increase the chances that your teeth can cut through or bruise your face. Using a mouthguard – even for non-contact sports – can make a huge difference and keep your sparkling smile safe and secure.

4. Sharing utensils you eat with

You would be shocked to know how bad it can be to share a fork, spoon, or knife with someone else – even if you’re just offering them a bite of your food. When you share utensils, you risk passing bacteria between your mouths and that bacteria can cause cavities. To prevent these issues, don’t share straws, food, dining utensils, or toothbrushes.

5. Teeth grinding

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding puts your teeth at risk to break and wear down, plus it can be a terrible sound for other sleepers to have to hear. If you know that you grind your teeth, ask California Dental Group about your options. We may offer a toothguard that can protect your teeth from damage and help with a series of symptoms related to bruxism, including pain in your face, sore necks, earaches, and headaches.

Of course, one of the most important things you can do for your oral health is to get regular dental cleanings and exams. If it’s been more than six months since you’ve done so then we urge you to call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 right away to set up your appointment.