For a radiant smile, stop making these 5 oral health mistakes

If you believe that brushing your teeth on a regular basis is sufficient to maintain good oral health, you are mistaken. Many more steps are involved in dental hygiene. Our teeth, in particular, are the most neglected because we are usually in a rush and, due to that, we hardly pay the required attention to them. As a result, we end up making mistakes. We are here to discuss all the most common oral health mistakes that are harmful for you.

Missing out on proper oral hygiene has so many repercussions. The reason is that your mouth is a hub for bacteria. To be precise, there are around 300 types of bacteria that live in your mouth, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.

Health Shots spoke to Dr Amit Kapoor, who is also a Cosmetic Laser Surgeon and Dentofacial Orthopaedics Surgeon, about oral health mistakes and misconceptions.

Dr Kapoor says, “It’s essential to know the truth about oral health because bad oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and other complications.” Oral health can also impact your overall health! ” There tend to be many mistakes and misconceptions about oral health, but it’s essential you know the facts.

Here are 5 oral health mistakes that you should stop committing:

1. Brushing harder

Despite daily brushing, we are all at risk of deteriorating the top layer or the enamel of our teeth. That’s why you should not brush your teeth vigorously in order to clean them and keep them white and shiny. Dr Kapoor says, “Brushing your teeth too hard can cause tooth and gum damage, as well as sensitivity.” For two minutes daily, brush your teeth thoroughly and gently.

You should also avoid using the wrong toothpaste, brushing your teeth twice a day, and brushing your teeth immediately after eating.

2. Skipping flossing

To ensure proper dental care, purchase a good quality toothbrush and replace it every two to three months, complemented by flossing and mouthwash use. Most people skip this step, but it is the last but most important step in maintaining good oral hygiene. Flossing your teeth on a regular basis can help prevent tooth yellowing, protect enamel, and remove stains.

3. Overconsumption of sugar

Poor oral hygiene can also be caused by an excess of sugar and foods that stick to the teeth for an extended period of time. Simple sugary foods encourage bacteria in the plaque to produce even more acid. This can lead to tooth decay or cavities in the long run. In fact, rinsing your mouth is sometimes insufficient to remove the sugar that has remained in your mouth. As a result, you have no choice but to limit your sugar intake.

4. Skipping tongue scraping

When brushing teeth, the tongue is frequently overlooked. Fortunately, your tongue will not develop cavities, but it is the root cause of bad breath and oral ailments. Regularly tongue scraping helps to remove bacteria, food debris, dead cells, and odor-causing substances like fungi, toxins, and bacteria. As a result, it can improve your sense of taste, aid digestion, and prevent bad breath.

5. Smoking

Many people are aware of the negative effects of smoking on their bodies. Smoking can also have a impact on your oral health. “Smoking, as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption should be restricted or reduced for proper dental care,” says Dr Kapoor. Smoking weakens the immune system and is linked to the development of gum disease. In fact, it can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and salivary gland inflammation.