No one likes to hear that they are doing something wrong, particularly when it can affect their health, but it’s a fact that many people are making costly mistakes when it comes to their oral care. Not brushing, flossing and rinsing correctly, combined with eating a poor diet doesn’t just have dire consequences for your teeth but can also affect your overall health, putting you more at risk of heart disease, pneumonia and other conditions. So, with this in mind, we thought we’d share some of the common mistakes so you can avoid them altogether and get your oral health routine back on track.
1. Poor Oral Health Routine
The biggest mistake most people make is to neglect their oral health routine. Ask yourself how many times you have skipped brushing your teeth before you go to bed, or how often you have forgotten to floss? Failing to brush and floss (or use interdental brushes) effectively twice a day can lead to tooth decay and gum disease which are the leading causes of tooth loss, not to mention contributing to other health complications.
2. Not Using Teeth As They Are Intended
Probably the second most common reason for tooth loss and damage is using your teeth as a tool. Whilst it might seem ‘cool’ and inventive to use your teeth to open a bottle or rip open tough packaging, it can often result in the teeth becoming chipped, cracked or broken. Sometimes this damage can be repaired, but it can also result in tooth loss.
3. DIY Dental Treatments
From whitening kits on the internet to following the latest TikTok craze, there are plenty of ‘too good to be true’ home dental techniques just waiting to be tried, but almost all of these are not recommended by dentists and may result in long term damage to your smile.
4. Smoking
Smoking and tobacco use have long been known to cause health problems. Aside from unsightly stained teeth, smoking can cause gum disease, tooth loss and even mouth cancer. You might not know but people who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque - which can result in gum disease and tooth decay. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to help your teeth, gums and mouth stay healthy.
5. Over Brushing
Not brushing your teeth frequently enough isn’t the only mistake you can make when it comes to brushing your teeth. It is also possible to brush too much or too hard, which can strip the protective enamel layer from your teeth, leaving them more susceptible to sensitivity and decay.
6. Not Drinking Enough Water
Keeping hydrated is great for your overall health, but it’s surprising how many people still don’t drink enough water. Water does a great job of rinsing away food particles which stops them from sticking to your teeth and causing bacteria build up, which can lead to cavities.
7. Eating Too Much Sugary Snacks
Ok, so you think you’ve avoided our 6 mistakes so far, but can you honestly say that you’re not tempted to reach for the biscuit tin or enjoy a fizzy drink whilst you’re catching up on your favourite box set? Eating too many sugary snacks and drinks, particularly in between meals, feeds the bacteria in your mouth which can erode the tooth enamel and lead to dental decay. Wherever possible, try limiting sugary snacks and opt for healthier alternatives such as nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Now that you know the 7 common mistakes people make when looking after their teeth, it’s time to see how your oral health routine stacks up. If you’re prone to making these mistakes, speak to us at your next appointment and we’ll advise you on how to correct your routine to help keep your mouth healthy.
For check ups and hygiene appointments please call us on 020 7091 0677 or message us here.
