Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—so ensuring that your teeth are white and bright will go a long way towards making memorable first impressions. And there’s no better way to do this than by practicing good oral hygiene. But unfortunately, there are a few critical mistakes and errors that some patients make when caring for their smiles. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist in Lincoln about five missteps you should avoid and the correct way to go about things.
#1: Not Brushing Twice Per Day
The reason that dentists across the globe stress the importance of brushing your teeth twice every day is simple—once a day just isn’t often enough! If plaque is left to accumulate at the gumline, it can cause swelling and inflammation that ultimately leads to the gum tissue beginning to peel away from your teeth. Total tooth loss becomes a real possibility if you fail to brush twice a day!
#2: Neglecting Your Gums
Your teeth are important, but so are your gums! They’re responsible for anchoring your teeth in place, so it’s in your best interest to take good care of them. This means brushing them gently but thoroughly in addition to brushing your teeth; if you feel the bristles squashing against your gumline, you should ease up. Also, don’t forget to floss daily; flossing helps you clean the hard-to-access spaces inside of your mouth that your brush can’t reach.
#3: Brushing Too Hard & Too Fast
Believe it or not, brushing your teeth too hard is actually just as bad for them as not brushing at all! Overbrushing, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or even brushing too fast can wear away your gum tissue—which won’t grow back on its own! This can also lead to enamel abrasion and increased tooth sensitivity. Apply a gentle but firm amount of pressure as you brush and aim to spend about two minutes brushing each time.
#4: Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
The bristles on your toothbrush will naturally become broken and frayed over time, meaning that they’ll also lose their effectiveness. The American Dental Association suggests changing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months—and soft-bristled toothbrushes are the way to go. You should also get a new brush if you’ve recently been sick. You might also consider what type of brush you’re selecting when it’s time for a new one; electric toothbrushes have been proven to clean more effectively than manual ones!
#5: Going Overboard with Whitening Products
Many store-bought whitening products claim that they’ll noticeably brighten your smile, but you should exercise a bit of caution when using these products. Even though they’re intended to help you, overusing them can actually lead to some problems including hypersensitivity, enamel abrasion, and other complications. Turning to your dentist for teeth whitening is always going to be the better option for a stunning smile, hands down.
A healthy mouth is a happy mouth! Knowing how to properly care for your smile and what pitfalls to avoid when practicing oral hygiene will ensure that your pearly whites look fantastic for the foreseeable future.
About the Author
A native Nebraskan himself, Dr. Louis Olberding has proudly served patients and families in the Lincoln area for several years. Dr. Olberding received his dental doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Nebraska Dental Association. If you have any questions for Dr. Olberding or would like to arrange a visit, feel free to contact him through his practice’s website or by phone: (402) 488-2325.