6th December 2016

The 5 Most Common Dental Health Mistakes You Need to Avoid

When it comes to keeping your oral hygiene in check, many people can struggle to achieve best practice on a continual basis. We’re all entitled the occasional break in routine, but important that these are only small lapses, and not more regular practises. To help you keep your dental health in tip-top shape, here are the 5 most common dental health pitfalls that you absolutely must try to avoid.

A Sugary Diet

Did you know that it is actually your diet that is the leading cause of tooth decay? The biggest enemy when it comes to your teeth is sweet treats and sugary fizzy drinks which are a normal part of many people diets. But cutting down on these high sugar snacks, you can help avoid cavities, as well as reducing your waistline!

Failing to brush twice a day

While it’s something we are told to do since we were small children, nearly a quarter of adults in the UK don’t actually brush their teeth twice daily. This is the number one basic rule for maintaining good oral health. Regular brushing prevents the bacterial build-up of plaque on your teeth, and studies have shown that even missing one brushing session can start the process of cavities forming. Ensure that you are brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes to keep your teeth plaque-free!

Bad brushing technique

Many people don’t realise this, but your brushing technique is just as important as brushing itself. A very common mistake made is missing areas of the mouth when brushing. You need to make sure that you cover every tooth and that you clean the total surface area of the tooth. If and when you are in a hurry, it’s easy to skim over and miss areas. This can leave plaque along the gum line and on the teeth – which can cause to cavities and tooth decay. You also need to make sure that you are not brushing the teeth too hard and roughly, as this can injure your gums. Booking an appointment with a dental hygienist can help you to perfect your brushing technique.

Not regularly replacing your toothbrush

This is a very common. People often don’t replace their toothbrush until it’s falling apart, and it can be very bad for your dental health. Once the bristles start to lose their strength, it is already past time to change your brush. Using an old and worn brush makes it easier to miss areas of your mouth whilst brushing, so plaque will not be removed completely. It’s a good idea to buy a multipack of brushes so that you always have one spare and ready to swap out.

Avoiding the Dentist

Even if you brush twice a day, avoid sugar, and use a new brush every other week, you still should visit your dentist twice a year. Visiting a dentist frequently can ensure that any problems that may arise can be swiftly dealt with and don’t become a bigger issue. Your dentist can also ensure that you are using the correct brushing technique and give you advice about what is the best option for your personal oral care. These are many reasons that people avoid the dentist but the most common is fear.

If you are a nervous patient, here at Dental Solutions we can help you overcome your fears and deal with the barriers that make you avoid treatment. Gavin Laidlaw treats very nervous patients every single day, so you can stop damaging your oral health today by booking in with Dental Solutions.

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