Dental hygiene is one of the most commonly overlooked portions of hygiene. In fact, most people think they’re committing to good dental habits when that’s not necessarily the case.
At Central Ozark Medical Center, we want to assure we’re preparing you for a healthy lifestyle outside of our facilities. More specifically we want to inform our patients of habits they’re doing that are not healthy for their smile.
BRUSHING YOUR TEETH RIGHT AFTER EATING
It feels like common sense to brush your teeth right after you’ve put a ton of food in and sugary liquids in your mouth. You think you’re just clearing your mouth and teeth of any freshly accumulated gunk.
However, eating food causes your enamel on your teeth to soften. Therefore, brushing your teeth while that enamel layer is soft, causes damage to it.
STORING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Toothbrush storage is something many don’t think twice about. Most throw their toothbrush in their drawer and go about their day. However, putting your toothbrush in your drawer can cause bacteria growth. No wonder they make toothbrush holders for the counter! Instead, place it in an upright position where it can dry quicker and deaccelerate the development of bacteria growth.
NOT SWITCHING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH REGULARLY
You know how your dentist gives you a toothbrush after most cleanings? It’s not because they want you to start the largest toothbrush collection. Use it! In fact, you should be switching your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months because as toothbrushes become older, the more ineffective they become at cleaning.
ONLY BRUSHING ONCE A DAY
The common lecture to brush twice a day continues. There’s reason for it. Bacteria accumulates on your teeth throughout the day and night. You have to remove the bacteria right away in the morning and in the evening otherwise you’re damaging your teeth.
CONSUMING TOO MUCH SUGAR
The overconsumption of sugar actually accelerates the growth of bacteria. This is hence why when you eat too much sugar, it actually leads to the teeth decaying process. Find ways to reduce your daily intake of sugar to aid in the protection of your teeth health.
LACK OF HYDRATION
In addition to everything else hydration aids, it helps your teeth remain healthy. Drinking your specified daily intake of water every day helps to flush out food particles and bacteria that are sitting in your mouth. Dehydration also causes dry mouth which is the perfect environment for accelerated bacteria growth.
There are so many different habits daily we can do differently to drastically change our dental health. These are some of the largest habits that are commonly mis performed. Whenever experiencing any remaining dental issues, Central Ozarks Medical Center has you covered.
Follow along with our blogs to get more health and lifestyle pointers to keep you out of our office more than once a year!
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