It’s surprising how many people are committing dental infractions without knowing it. You might think you’re taking
relatively good care of your teeth, but chances are good you’re doing at least a couple of things wrong. If you want to prevent stern looks at your next dental check-up, you might want to stop doing the following five things:
- If you’re brushing your teeth in a back-and-forth motion, you’re doing it wrong. Teeth should always be brushed in a smooth, circular motion.
- Flossing your teeth after brushing makes no sense. The whole point of brushing your teeth is to clean away debris and surface gunk. If you’re flossing your teeth after brushing, you’re just dislodging more debris.
- For those of you who hold your toothbrush flat against your teeth, your brushing technique needs an upgrade. Your toothbrush should be held at an angle so the bristles aren’t flat against your teeth.
- Speaking of bristles, if you use a firm toothbrush you could be causing damage to your gums. Opt for a medium or soft-bristled brush to keep your gums in optimal condition.
- Neglecting to brush your teeth before bed is a big mistake. Brushing and gargling in the morning is great; it helps you to face your day feeling fresh. Choosing to go to bed without clearing the day’s debris off your teeth is like eating a meal off of dirty dishes from the day before.
Paying attention to the basics of mouth maintenance will help you keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Visits to your dentist every six months can help with things like teeth cleanings and gum disease prevention. Will you be adjusting the way you take care of your teeth based upon the above-listed dental don’ts?
