You only brush before you come to the dentist
Everyone has probably been guilty of this at least once, but you can’t fool your dentist, says Dr Shtivelman. “When the gums are inflamed with plaque, the dentist knows the patient is not brushing properly. Plus, your dentist can likely tell if you’re lying, so it’s always best to be honest to receive the proper oral care.
You don’t brush at night
Night time is the most important time to brush after your morning brush. “You are eating all day long, so if you’re not brushing at night, this can lead to future dental problems,” Dr Shtivelman says.
Here are 19 handy uses for toothpaste that have nothing to do with your teeth.
You only see your dentist for emergencies
One of the most common and potentially harmful oral hygiene mistakes is seeing your dentist only for emergencies. It’s important to see your dentist every six months, Dr Shtivelman says.
Some people may need to go more often, including those who are pregnant. The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to inflammation and bleeding, and possibly increase the risk of having a pre-term or low-birth weight baby.
For healthy teeth and good oral hygiene, be sure to schedule your bi-yearly dentist appointment, but ask your doctor if you need to come in more frequently.
Think you’re too old to get braces? Read why it’s not too late to have braces as an adult.
Sign up here to get Reader’s Digest’s favourite stories sent to your inbox!
Source: RD.com
