What are the Most Common Toothbrushing Mistakes?

For most of us, brushing our teeth is second nature and we barely have to think about it. After all, we’ve been doing it since we could hold a toothbrush, and even enjoy the toothpaste that’s especially made for kids. Before you go back to your regular brushing routine, here are some common mistakes you have to look out for:

 

• Choose the right tool. Are you using the right toothbrush? Check if the bristles hurt or cause your gums to bleed. If it does, it’s time to change your toothbrush. If you’re not sure about the type of toothbrush (manual or electric) or the kind of bristle, ask the help of your dentist in Kirkland, WA.

• Don’t overdo it. If you brush more than 3 times a day, there is a chance that you are wearing down the tooth enamel and damaging your gums.

• Control your sour cravings. Energy drinks, diet sodas, and sour candies are notorious for softening the tooth enamel. Enjoy a treat once in a while, but wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth.

• Let it dry. Stop putting a cover on your brush. When you put a cap on it, the moisture becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Let it air dry before keeping it in a sanitary location (avoid skin and toilets).

• Let it go. Change your toothbrush regularly. If you’re not sure about the brand to buy your dentist in Kirkland, WA will be happy to help you decide.

 

Start Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way

Simply brushing your teeth twice a day won’t do. Applying the appropriate techniques and correcting the common mistakes in brushing will keep your smile healthy and your dentist in Kirkland, WA happy.

The Best Dental Care Habits

Visits to the dentist should be done regularly, but that doesn’t mean your job stops there. Remember that your dentist is just your partner in oral hygiene; most of the work should actually be done by you, at home. Adapting good dental habits while at home will not only keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright, but it will also make your dentist proud and happy.

Dental Health at Home

Although it is recommended that everyone should brush their teeth twice a day, there are other practices that you should add to your daily brushing. Here are the top three best oral hygiene techniques that you can start doing today:

#1 – Don’t rush when brushing. Spend at least three minutes, twice a day for brushing your teeth. If you’re not up for counting the minutes, set a timer to ensure that you spend enough time cleaning your pearly whites.

#2 – Floss at least once a day, every day to clean in between your teeth. This helps get rid of food stuck in your teeth, which is the main cause of cavities.

#3 – Only use ADA-approved dental cleaning tools and toothpaste. They may be a bit more expensive than non-branded products, but it’s an investment worth making.

The main goal of proper oral care at home is to help prevent the buildup of plaque in and around your gums. As a result of following a routine, you can also fight bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. This is most important for adults because neglecting their oral hygiene can lead to various types of gum infections. So, get a head start on your oral hygiene and impress your dentist in Kirkland, WA on your next visit!

Keep your Kids’ Teeth Healthy

The second most prevalent human disease today is tooth decay. Over 25% of children ages 2-5 and over half of those who are 12-15 years old are affected by this condition. Without early detection, it can lead to pain, tooth loss, and more serious illnesses that involve other parts of the body. Protect your children from tooth decay and other dental problems through proper dental hygiene. Dr. Cheung and the rest of the team are here to help you in this particular parental responsibility.

Dental Care for Children

Caring for a child’s teeth is almost similar to that of an adult’s. It only becomes a harder task because children don’t recognize its importance. Setting an example to your kids is the best way to emphasize dental hygiene.

Let’s not forget the basics. Brushing the teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed time is the most essential task to teach the children. Perhaps, getting them an electric toothbrush helps in building them up for this task. When permanent teeth begin to grow, it is time to teach them how to floss every night before they climb up to bed. Another important aspect of dental care is dental visits at least every 6 months. As your children grow, they might need braces or extractions to prevent long term dental problems. 

 

A practical way of fighting tooth decay in children is through the application of dental sealants. This is very helpful, especially in children who are susceptible to tooth decay because it is painless and resistant to bacterial damage.

Training your children to care for their teeth at an early age is a lesson that they will appreciate when they come of age. Having healthy teeth is a great investment. Make us your partners in your child’s dental care.