Many of us are guilty of making mistakes when it comes to looking after our teeth. Below are some of the most common dental blunders that a lot of us make, and how to correct these.
Delaying going to the dentist
When was the last time you made a visit to the dentist? Ideally, you should be going for a checkup every 1 to 2 years. Not all dental issues are obvious, and these check-ups can help to spot hidden problems that may otherwise go undetected.
Of course, if you do have a noticeable problem – such as a toothache or bleeding – you should schedule a visit as soon as possible. A lot of people delay dental treatment, causing minor infections to turn into major problems. What might have been initially treatable with antibiotics may end up requiring root canal treatment or tooth removal. Seek treatment early in order to avoid things getting worse.
Not investing in the right dental treatment
In some instances, there may be different dental treatments that you can choose between. A lot of people will choose the cheaper option, but this isn’t always the best solution. In fact, there could be practical benefits from paying slightly more.
For example, when weighing up ceramic inlays vs. composite fillings, a lot of people choose composite fillings because they can be lower priced. However, ceramic inlays can offer a greater amount of realism and are much more durable and long-lasting – making them the recommended choice among dentists.
Brushing your teeth too hard
While some people don’t brush their teeth thoroughly enough, others can be a little too thorough. In fact, brushing too hard is one of the most common causes of enamel erosion.
The correct way to brush your teeth is to brush in small gentle circles. This removes plaques without damaging enamel. Make sure you’re not brushing in an aggressive back and forth motion as this could cause further issues.
Not replacing your toothbrush regularly enough
A lot of us don’t replace our toothbrush regularly enough. After repeated use, the bristles on a toothbrush get damaged and become blunt. This results in ineffective cleaning and sometimes even damage.
How often should you replace your toothbrush? Dentists recommend switching to a new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. You should also replace your toothbrush if you’ve been sick with an illness as it could be carrying harmful bacteria or viruses that you don’t want to put back into your mouth.
Skipping flossing
Not flossing is probably the number one mistake many of us make. Flossing involves running a thin cord between each of the teeth- which helps to get rid of plaque and debris that may be stuck between. This is important for preventing decay and gum infections caused by food stuck in between our teeth.
You should floss every day using dental floss. You can buy dental floss in most stores in various forms. This guide compares some of the best dental flosses to keep your teeth healthy.
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