There are common oral health mistakes that we all make. There is a lot of information out there when it comes to keeping your teeth clean and your oral health in tip top shape. “We all know that brushing, flossing and watching what we are are important actions if we want a beautiful smile,” explains Dr. Maryam Adibfar, a leading Toronto dentist at Yonge and Davisville. “Even if we are brushing, flossing, using mouth wash and taking extra precautions throughout the day to fit cavities, we can sometimes make common mistakes that can hurt our oral health.”
Taking care of our teeth, gums and overall oral health is fairly simple when you think about. However, we can all fall into routines and habits that might actually be damaging our teeth.
Wondering where you might be going wrong during your daily oral health routine? Dr. Maryam Adibfar, a former Crest spokeswoman, highlights a few common ways we might be doing our teeth a disservice.
Oral Health Mistakes: Multitasking
We all lead very busy lives. Every second counts and it can feel that if we give up even a few minutes we’ll be throwing our whole schedule out of wack. This is especially true in the morning when we’re rushing to get dressed, eat, organize our children before school and rush out the door to beat traffic. This can make it tempting to multi-task as we brush our teeth. Whether it’s showering, reading the news on our iPhone or getting dressed, this can actually make brushing less effective. “Try to focus just on brushing your teeth in the morning and at night,” says Dr. Adibfar. “If you focus on just that one activity, you have a better chance to be less distracted and get a better, all-round clean.”
Oral Health Mistakes: Trying to Over-clean and Extend the Life of Your Toothbrush
People have shared many different ideas and tricks to keep your toothbrush clean. From adding it to the dishwasher to giving it a quick “nuke” in the microwave, people will do anything to keep their toothbrush as clean as possible. “We don’t blame people who do this because we’ve all heard the stories about how toothbrushes can be a breading ground for nasty bacteria,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “But these tricks can damage your toothbrush; making it less effective. Instead, just thoroughly rinse it with warm water after each use and let it air dry, standing upright.”
Oral Health Mistakes: Using Travel Cases All the Time
Travel cases are a great way to keep your toothbrush protected and away from contaminants as you travel. This keeps it sanitary and performing its best. But if you use your travel cover after every use, you may be creating more bacteria than you’d like to know. “Bacteria breads in moist areas,” says Dr. Adibfar. “Letting your toothbrush air dry is the best way to keep your toothbrush clean and bacteria-free.”
Oral Health Mistakes: Ignoring the Grind
Grinding of the teeth is a very common occurrence. You may be clenching your teeth and grinding your jaw every night. This can lead to tooth damage and heightened sensitivity. It can also cause chipped teeth, headaches and jaw discomfort. While it might not seem like a big deal, it’s important not to ignore it. “We always recommend seeing a dentist if you notice that you’re grinding your teeth,” says Dr. Adibfar. “Since grinding can lead to a whole host of problems, a dentist can identify what needs to be done to protect your teeth and reduce damage, which could include a convenient mouth guard.”
Next Steps
Do you have questions about how to keep your teeth healthy or want to schedule check-up, teeth cleaning or routine exam? Contact us directly! Our team looks forward to seeing you.
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Maryam Adibfar on Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter for the latest dental tips, tricks and advice!
A BONUS Just for You!
When you refer a friend, family member or colleague to our office, you’ll receive a $25 gift card to a favourite local coffee shop.
Simply contact our Davisville dental team directly to make a referral! Now that you know how to combat stains, you can enjoy your coffee or tea to the fullest.