Good oral hygiene is about more than just brushing twice a day. Many people unknowingly make small mistakes that can lead to long-term damage to their teeth and gums. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common oral care habits that can have a surprising impact on your dental health and how to steer clear of them.

Brushing Too Hard or With the Wrong Technique

Brushing very aggressively or too frequently can wear away your tooth enamel over time. Within the first few strokes of brushing, it's easy to overlook how much pressure is being applied.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Let the brush do the work – gentle circles are enough
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months

Many patients interested in invisalign Sunderland are surprised to learn that brushing technique becomes even more important while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Skipping Floss or Doing It Incorrectly

Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line where your toothbrush can't quite reach. However, incorrect technique can damage your gums.

• Avoid snapping floss down onto gums
• Gently guide dental floss between each tooth, then curve it around the side of each tooth 
• Floss at least once daily

Even with appliances like invisalign Sunderland, flossing remains a vital part of oral care and shouldn’t be neglected.

Overusing Mouthwash Without Understanding Its Ingredients

Mouthwash is also a helpful tool, but it’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Some contain alcohol, which may dry out your mouth and cause irritation.

• Check for alcohol-free options if you have sensitivity
• One should not use mouthwash right after brushing to avoid rinsing away fluoride
• Use it as a supplement, not a substitute

For individuals who wear aligners like invisalign Sunderland, some mouthwashes can even stain trays or impact comfort.

Ignoring Signs of Dental Issues

Pain, bleeding gums, or sensitivity should never be ignored. These could be early signs of gum disease, decay, or infection.

• Book regular check-ups every 6 months
• Keep track of any recurring discomfort
• Don't self-diagnose using internet sources

It's important to monitor your oral health closely, especially if you're considering procedures like dental implants Sunderland, where healthy gums and bone structure are crucial.

Using Teeth as Tools

Using teeth to open bottles or packets or biting nails can put excessive pressure on teeth, potentially damaging the enamel and leading to chipped or cracked teeth. 

• Always use the right tools, not your teeth
• Address nervous habits like nail biting with stress management
• if you grind your teeth at night make a habit to wear mouthguard

Any kind of tooth damage can affect eligibility for treatments such as dental implants Sunderland, which require strong, healthy teeth and gums.

Drinking Too Many Sugary or Acidic Drinks

Sugary and acidic drinks like fizzy pop, sports drinks, or fruit juices can erode enamel and lead to cavities.

Limit how often you sip these beverages and try to use a straw to reduce direct contact with your teeth.

Chewing on Ice or Hard Sweets

Chewing on ice or hard sweets might feel satisfying but can cause fractures in teeth.

• Let hard sweets dissolve instead of biting
• Avoid crunching on ice or popcorn kernels
• Report any tooth sensitivity promptly

For patients with dental implants Sunderland, hard foods can compromise the integrity of implants over time.

Forgetting to Clean Your Tongue

Bacteria love to settle on the tongue. If it isn’t cleaned, it can lead to bad breath and contribute to plaque buildup.

• Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush
• Clean your tongue daily, ideally in the morning

This simple step will be an extra layer of freshness and will help to keep your mouth healthier overall.

Brushing Right After Eating

Brushing immediately after eating, especially acidic foods, can damage enamel because the acid weakens it, making it more susceptible to abrasion from the toothbrush.

• Wait at least 30 minutes after eating
• If you need to brush your teeth sooner, rinsing your mouth with water before brushing can help remove food particles and debris

This is especially important for people using invisalign Sunderland, as brushing with softened enamel increases vulnerability.

Conclusion

Maintaining oral hygiene is more than just remembering to brush your teeth. By understanding what not to do, you can keep your smile healthier for longer. From overbrushing to skipping floss, these mistakes can take a toll over time. Making little changes today helps prevent bigger issues tomorrow. For expert advice and tailored dental care, trust the team at Smilo Dental Implants Group to guide you on the right path to lasting oral health.