Oral hygiene: Mistakes to avoid for better dental health

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September 14, 2021

Having a problem of bad breath is one of the worst things that could happen to someone in terms of hygiene, especially in a social setting. The importance of good oral hygiene and its association with overall health is widely acknowledged and practised. However, this information still does not rule out the prevalence of dental problems among people. If you often suffer from bad breath, gum ache, or teeth problems despite taking good care of your oral hygiene, it might be time to probe further into the issue and identify the mistakes that might be leading to futile and unfavourable results.

Common oral hygiene mistakes to avoid

Here are some common oral hygiene mistakes that must be avoided for a set of healthy and pretty teeth:

Being too aggressive: A common misconception, people often mistake aggressive brushing as an effective method to get rid of stubborn tooth debris and stains. Aggressive brushing will do more harm than good. So, if you wish to evade gum recession and enamel abrasion, it is time to give yourself a break and go gentle on your teeth.
Brushing right after a meal: Going to bed after brushing is good for oral health. However, a common mistake that people make regarding this is brushing their teeth immediately after having a meal. This can harm the teeth by causing enamel erosion due to the interaction with acids present in food. Therefore, it is recommended to wait at least 45 minutes before brushing the teeth after a meal.
Unknowingly going overboard with sugar: Everyone is aware of the shortcomings of consuming excessive sugar on the body and teeth. However, we still end up falling into the trap of ‘low-sugar’ drinks. Mistaking misleading labels for healthy drinks and incorporating them as a part of lunch, breakfast, snack, or dinner must be avoided as it can lead to an unhealthy amount of sugar consumption.
Picking mouthwash over floss: Dental experts across the world have been emphasising the importance of flossing for a healthy set of teeth. Aside from going unheard, this recommendation is often hidden under the blanket of the misconception that a rinse with mouthwash will have the same benefits as that of flossing. This mistake must be avoided and flossing must be incorporated into everyday’s routine.
Booking dentist appointments only when in pain: The purpose of regular dental check-ups is to ensure oral health and avoid unprecedented dental issues from emerging. Missing appointments or showing up at a clinic only when it’s urgent will lead to more and severe damage that could have otherwise been prevented. Make sure that you stay up-to-date with your checkups for healthier and stronger teeth.