Keeping our oral hygiene in tip-top order is something few of us manage to achieve on a permanent basis. We are all entitled to the occasional lapse in our routines but here are the five most common dental pitfalls that you absolutely must try to avoid whenever and however possible.
1. Twice a day brushing
While the most obvious of our tips this is undoubtedly the most important. Nearly a quarter of adults in the UK don’t brush their teeth twice daily. However, regular brushing stops the bacterial build-up of plaque. Studies have shown that even missing one brushing session can start the process of forming cavities. Make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes to keep your teeth plaque free.
2. Not all toothbrushes are created equal
You need to make sure you are using the right tools for the job. Toothbrushes come with different thickness and strength bristles. Small-headed brushes are widely regarded as the best as they allow you to reach everywhere in your mouth more easily. Concerning bristles, softer tend to be better – ideally with rounded heads to prevent aggravation of the gums and damage to your enamel.
3. Not replacing your toothbrush enough
We’ve all used a toothbrush past its best. Once the bristles start to lose their strength and have spread, it is already past time to replace your brush. Our best tip is to buy multiple brushes and always have one spare in the bathroom cabinet. Using a brush past its use-by date makes it more likely that you will miss areas of your mouth while brushing and that plaque will not be removed efficiently.
4. Not Using Floss
No matter how good your brushing is, you cannot reach every area between your teeth. It’s been found that brushing misses 40% of the bad stuff which floss will capture. Regular flossing helps remove plaque and food that builds up in your teeth. The build-up of plaque along the gum line is one of the leading causes of gum disease of which, daily flossing will help to prevent!
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5. Too much sugar
Our diets are the leading cause of tooth decay. One of the biggest enemies here is fizzy drinks – as many people drink them every day. If you feel the urge to have a can of sugar, try sipping them irregularly and through a straw to avoid cavities. Your health and your mouth will thank you.