Are you feeling confident in the condition of your smile, or are you worried that you will receive bad news about your oral health at your next routine dental exam? Many people become so comfortable with their oral hygiene routine that they stop noticing the “little” mistakes that can affect their risks for tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, your Ankeny, IA dentist can spot trouble at a routine dental exam, and that can lead to treatment to resolve whatever problems you might face. If you want to make yourself feel more confident in your well-being between visits, look for ways to improve your daily oral hygiene habits. By evaluating your typical brushing routine, you can spot problems that are negatively affecting your ability to avoid trouble with your dental and periodontal health.
Should You Change How You Approach Daily Dental Care?
Your daily habits should put up a consistent line of defense against problems like cavities and gingivitis. Unfortunately, many people start to develop poor habits without realizing it, and that can mean struggling to avoid difficulties with your oral health over time. A good routine will see you brush at least two times a day, and floss at least once, so that you keep plaque and food particles from gathering and hardening to form tartar. You can be more susceptible to problems if you overlook certain mistakes that make your efforts less effective, or if you are less than strict about adhering to your routine.
Common Brushing Mistakes People Make
There are a few mistakes that you should watch out for if you want to maintain a truly effective brushing routine. One thing to remember is that you should brush at least two times a day each day, and that even a small break in your routine can create opportunities for plaque to gather and harden to form tartar. Other mistakes to watch out for include:
- Using the same toothbrush for too long and letting the bristles wear down
- Brushing aggressively, which can lead to issues with enamel erosion
- Failing to use products that have received ADA approval
- Rushing through your routine (you should take at least two minutes to properly brush)
What Else Can I Do To Keep My Smile Healthy?
Flossing is an important part of your daily routine, as this habit removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth. Effective flossing will see you bring the string all the way to your gum line and back up your teeth. Cleaning at your gum line keeps away bacteria that can cause gingivitis. Be sure to make smart diet choices each day, and stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. Doing this will help you avoid trouble that can make dental fillings or dental crowns necessary!
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Maintaining Better Oral Hygiene
Your Ankeny, IA dentist is ready to help you protect your smile! In addition to providing care in the office, we can help you protect your smile at home by encouraging better habits. To find out more about our practice and services, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
