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4 Things You Might Be Doing Wrong When Brushing Teeth

Tooth brushing is an art. If you’re not doing it correctly, you could be doing damage to your teeth. When you come visit your dentist in Salina, KS, we’ll teach you how to brush your teeth and give you reminders about tooth brushing best practices, which can make the experience overall more productive and better for your teeth.

1. Brushing Too Hard

Brushing too hard is bad for your tooth enamel and also for your gums. Brushing too hard against the gum line can cause the gums to recede faster than they would otherwise, which can expose the hidden parts of your teeth and may lead to bone loss. When brushing your teeth, it’s best to brush lightly, so that this doesn’t happen.

2. Using the Wrong Brush

The brush you choose should have soft to medium-soft bristles, so that the regular brushing action doesn’t do damage to your teeth. Toothbrushes should have their bristle softness labeled on the outside of the package, so check the softness of the bristles before you buy the brush.

3. Keeping Your Toothbrush For Too Long

Once your toothbrush is old, the bristles will become bent, stiff, and less effective. They might even bend away from your teeth, which makes the toothbrush overall a not very useful tool. Replace your toothbrush every two or three months to prevent this from becoming a problem. If your toothbrush bristles are bent, this is a sign that you need to replace your toothbrush (and could also be an indication that you’re brushing too hard!).

4. Over-Brushing

Over-brushing is just as bad as brushing too hard – it can wear away the tooth enamel and your gums, which can expose your teeth below the gum line and lead to bone loss. If you’re not sure whether you’re taking the wrong approach to brushing your teeth, consult with your dentist the next time you come in for a dental cleaning and appointment in Salina, KS.

 

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Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

Good oral health and hygiene not only prevents mouth-specific conditions such as halitosis, tooth decay, and cavities, it’s also an essential component of whole-body health. Gum disease in particular puts people at higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues that can lead to cardiac arrest and stroke, contribute to complications of Type II diabetes, and even create conditions that contribute to preterm labor.

Having a regular checkup is one of the best things you can do to maintain good overall health. Following are just a few of the many reasons why you should make time to see your dentist every six months.

Early Detection of Oral Cancer

Dentists do more than just clean your teeth and look for cavities — they also serve as your first line of defense against oral cancer. When caught in the beginning stages, oral cancer is highly treatable, but if left undetected, it may become life-threatening. Regular dental checkups ensure that it’s caught early.

Early Detection of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects the health of the gum tissue. This condition can cause bone loss, pain and swelling, bleeding gums, and bad breath. In its later stages, it may also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and make it difficult for some patients with diabetes to regulate their blood glucose levels. Regular cleaning by an oral health care professional as well as practicing good dental hygiene at home significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease developing.

Early Detection of Other Major Oral Issues

A comprehensive dental checkup also involves X-rays, which will alert your dentist to issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. For instance, they may uncover cysts, tumors, impacted teeth, bone decay, and other emerging problems taking place below the surface. Early detection of all of these things not only reduces the chances of having to endure longer, more complicated procedures, later on, it also saves you money in the long run.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings also keep your smile looking its best and brightest. Please feel free to call or text us at your convenience for an appointment with one of our oral health care professionals.

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