14 Oct

Common Dental Mistakes Part II

As we discussed last week, when it comes to dental health it’s impossible to be perfect. However, there are actions we can take and behaviors we can avoid in an effort to keep our dental health in tip top shape. When dental services in Gilbert, AZ are needed Lifetime Family Dental is here for you, however, there are actions to avoid on top of your twice-a-day brushing and flossing that will make your dental visits more preventative and less restorative. The following mistakes are easily addressed behaviors and actions that you want to avoid that will result in better health for your teeth and gums.

Smoking

On top of the damage that smoking undoubtedly does to your lungs and heart, it also has several deleterious consequences for your dental health and appearance. The effects of bad breath and stained teeth are readily apparent, but according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum disease, recession, tooth loss, and bone loss are the most severe consequences of smoking. Not only that, but if you already suffer from these negative affects of gum disease, if you are a smoker they are harder to treat because nicotine’s negative affect on your body’s ability to fight the infection.

Multitasking

It’s hard to focus in the morning when you’re rushing out the door to get to work or school. This can lead you to want to multitask while you brush your teeth. Instead of being in the shower, scrolling on your phone, or (hopefully not) sitting on the toilet, it is important to focus on the 2 minute task at hand in front of a mirror. You will be more thorough and are more likely to complete the full two minutes.

Toothbrush Overcleaning

It may seem counter-intuitive, but overcleaning your toothbrush can do more harm than good. Drastic cleaning often damages the toothbrush. Yes, it is true that toothbrushes can harbor nasty bacteria, but there is no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush according to the CDC. To take the proper precautions simply give the brush a good rinse with standard tap water, let it dry, and store it upright where it isn’t touching another brush.

Want to know what other common mistakes you might be making? Consult Lifetime Family Dental for any know-how regarding dental services in Gilbert, AZ, and read last week’s article, Common Dental Mistakes Part I.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/14/2015) Alessandra (Flickr)