Dental News

Five Oral Health Care Mistakes You Might Be Making without Realizing It

November 14, 2020

Five Oral Health Care Mistakes You Might Be Making without Realizing It

Most people want to take good care of their teeth and gums, but they often make mistakes without even realizing that what they are doing is a big mistake. Read on to learn about these accidental mistakes to see if you make any of them. Then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to talk to a Southern California dentist who can help you.

  1. Not Brushing Your Teeth Enough
  2. Yes, brushing at all is better than not brushing at all, but just because you brush your teeth does not mean that you are doing it enough. If you brush most days, then you are making a mistake. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily, every day, without exception. If you go to sleep at night without brushing, you are giving bacteria time to feed and grow.

  3. Not Flossing
  4. Most people do not floss as much as they should. In fact, many people floss just once a week or even less. Ideally, you should be flossing every single day. It is as important as brushing your teeth. It is the only way to get rid of plaque between your teeth before it has the chance to turn to tartar. Floss can get to the spaces in between teeth that your brush cannot get to.

  5. Not Brushing Correctly
  6. You might be brushing the right amount but not be brushing the right way. While brushing is generally better than not brushing no matter how you do it, brushing the right way is going to provide the best benefit for your teeth. The first issue is that you might not be brushing long enough. Ideally, you should be brushing for two minutes. The second issue is that you might be brushing too hard, which can damage your gums, cause your teeth to be sensitive, and even expose the roots of your teeth.

    Remember, too, that your teeth aren’t the only things in your mouth. Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, so you should be brushing it every time you brush your teeth. Finally, make sure that you are replacing your toothbrush every three to four months.

  7. Not Using Mouthwash
  8. Many people do not think of mouthwash as an essential part of their oral health routine, but it is one of the most important things to reduce your chance of getting gum disease. Just taking a few seconds to swish mouthwash each day can help improve your oral health overall.

  9. Skipping Your Exams and Cleanings
  10. Most people should have a dental exam and cleaning every six months. Not doing so can be a serious problem. These cleanings remove tartar and plaque building, and the exam helps us find dental issues when they are still small. If it has been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, contact California Dental Group now at (800) 407-0161 to set up an appointment.

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