Having a beautiful set of pearly whites is everyone’s wish. At least for those who do not want to be embarrassed in front of other people. Personal hygiene is essential, especially when dealing with people daily. Having a nice set of teeth is a must, so if you want to have that million-dollar smile, here are the seven deadly sins against oral care.
They forget to brush their teeth before hitting the bed.
The general rule is to brush your teeth twice a day, but you must brush them before you retire for the evening. Whatever plaque or germs are lurking inside your mouth, which you collected the entire day, must be eliminated before you close your eyes for that evening.
2. Not using the right toothpaste (fluoride)
Consider the ingredients of your toothpaste among the other reasons you pick a specific brand. Some choose something that tastes great, while others prefer toothpaste with potent whitening agents.
While these are important matters, you must ensure you have toothpaste that contains a hefty amount of fluoride. You need to have a defense for your teeth when tooth decay strikes. It will first build a protective wall around your teeth and, second, fight off bacteria that cause the teeth to get damaged.
3. Improper brushing of teeth
There is a proper way to brush your teeth. This is crucial to maintain your oral health. Not doing it properly means it is almost like you are not brushing your teeth at all. Take your time when you are brushing your pearly whites. Focus on removing the plaque by moving your brush gently and circularly. You may leave plaque behind to build up when you rush. These may cause infection, which will eventually cause gum diseases if there are plaques that form along and under the gum line.
4. Not considering flossing essential
Some think that brushing is enough and flossing is optional. You must remember that dental floss is not merely for tiny bits of food stuck between your teeth. Cleaning between the teeth removes plaques on areas not reached by a toothbrush. It also helps stimulate the gum, and it helps lower inflammation as it reduces plaque.
There may be areas that are harder to floss, but you can certainly look for other dental floss products for these problems. You can either use a water flosser or pre-threaded floss. Also, remember to rinse after flossing.
5. Forgetting all about the tongue
Oral care includes the tongue and not just teeth. Plaques also build up on tongues, which can cause bad breath or, worse, oral health problems. When you are brushing your teeth, including the tongue. Brush it lightly, or use a tongue scraper to keep it clean.
6. Not having a healthy diet.
Your diet plays a massive role in your oral hygiene. Eating foods that are high in calcium is always advisable. Also, allowing kids to eat crunchy-but-healthy food at a younger age is a good decision.
Fresh, crunchy vegetables and fruits are not only a good source of fiber, but it allows those teeth to strengthen. Minimizing giving children mushy and processed food may give them more benefits instead of cutting them into small pieces to enable their jaws to work.
Also, foods high in sugar are not best for your teeth. Sugar is turned into acid in the mouth and erodes your teeth’ enamel, which becomes cavities. Coffee and teas are liquids that wear down tooth enamel.
However, there are also high in acid fruits that may leave the teeth vulnerable to cavities, like pineapples, grapes, limes, lemons, grapefruits, and oranges. While these fruits are a great source of vitamins, minimizing consumption may be a good idea.
7. Not including mouthwash in the regimen.
One has to remember that not all mouthwash brands are the same. Getting an expert’s opinion is best because each of us has different needs. Mouthwash is not optional, contrary to what most people think. Even if we regularly brush and floss, there are still areas in the mouth that are hard to reach. This is where mouthwashes come in handy.
It is a must that you remember the seven deadly sins of oral care to avoid going through excruciating pain when you eventually have tooth decay. Make it a habit to visit your dentist at least two times a year to make sure that your pearly whites are monitored. Moreover, they can also provide you with the best products to keep your oral health in tip-top shape.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
