5 Common Oral Healthcare Mistakes to Avoid!

If you brush your teeth, you may think you’re maintaining a great oral health routine. However, there are a lot of common misconceptions when it comes to taking care of the smile. That’s why your dentist has revealed the top 5 mistakes that people make while trying to keep their teeth healthy and beautiful. Read on to learn about these popular pitfalls so you know exactly what not to do!

#1. Brushing Too Hard

Most people think that the harder they brush, the better they’re cleaning their teeth. However, this is unfortunately not the case. In fact, brushing too hard can damage and scrape your enamel. Instead of scrubbing, make gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth without hurting them.

#2. Ignoring Your Gums

Did you know that gum disease is the top cause of tooth loss in America? When your gums become infected and inflamed, you’ll face issues like permanent tissue damage, bone deterioration, and lost teeth without treatment. However, gently brushing your gums, especially your gumline, combined with flossing and regular dental visits are easy ways to prevent these issues from happening.

#3. Going Overboard with Teeth Whitening

Millions of Americans want whiter teeth, which is why there are so many different whitening strips, toothpastes, rinses, and other products that promise amazing results. However, it’s important to exercise caution when using these store-bought products. Some of them are too abrasive for your teeth, causing more damage than helpful results. Visiting your dentist for professional in-office or at-home whitening is always a safer move because you’ll have the supervision of a true expert.

#4. Rarely Replacing Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, or as soon as you notice your bristles starting to fray. Brushing your teeth with a worn toothbrush can actually harm your enamel because the rough bristles can scrape your teeth. Plus, your old brush is home to germs and bacteria, which is why it’s important to throw it out after a cold or flu, so you don’t get reinfected.

#5. Forgetting to Floss

Brushing often takes up most of the spotlight when it comes to your oral healthcare routine. However, flossing is just as important! If you think about it, each tooth has 5 sides: the front, back, top, left side, and right side. If you don’t floss, you’re leaving 2 sides of each tooth susceptible to tooth decay. Plus, flossing lifts plaque and bacteria off the gumline, lowering your risk of gum disease.

Don’t let these common mistakes trip you up! Avoid them while practicing the right habits instead to stay happy and smiling.

Meet the Dentists

Dr. Jeffery R. DeMartino and Dr. Nelida Garcia-DeMartino are a husband-and-wife team of dentists who have extensive training and experience, allowing them to provide a wide range of amazing services for Phillipsburg patients. If you have any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (908) 859-5260.