Oral hygiene: 5 mistakes to avoid

THE oral hygiene It goes far beyond simply keeping your teeth clean and showing off a beautiful smile; it is closely linked to the overall health of your body.

Small slips in your oral care routine can trigger problems that not only affect your oral health, but also have an impact on your heart, digestive system and even your immune system.

In this article, we explore five common mistakes in oral hygiene that can harm your health and how to avoid them.

1. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Many people believe that brushing their teeth harder results in a more effective cleaning, but this practice can be harmful.

Brushing with too much pressure wears down tooth enamel and can cause gum recession, exposing tooth roots and increasing sensitivity.

Over time, this can lead to cavities and even tooth loss.

What to do: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and use gentle, circular movements.

The goal is to remove plaque without damaging the teeth and gums.

2. Not Flossing

Flossing is essential for removing food debris and plaque that a toothbrush cannot reach, especially between teeth and below the gum line.

Failure to floss regularly can result in plaque buildup, which leads to gingivitis, cavities, and periodontal disease.

What to do: Floss daily, preferably before brushing your teeth, to ensure thorough and effective cleaning.

3. Ignoring Tongue Hygiene

The tongue, although often forgotten, is one of the main places where bacteria accumulate in the mouth.

Failure to clean it can cause bad breath and contribute to the formation of plaque and oral infections.

What to do: Clean your tongue daily with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush.

This helps eliminate bacteria and dead cells, promoting a healthier mouth.

4. Using the Same Toothbrush for Too Long

It is common to continue using the same toothbrush for longer than recommended.

However, with prolonged use, the bristles lose their effectiveness and can harbor bacteria, compromising the cleaning of your teeth and increasing the risk of oral infections.

What to do: Replace your toothbrush every three months, or whenever the bristles begin to wear out.

If you have been sick, change your toothbrush after recovery to avoid re-contamination.

5. Not Seeing the Dentist Regularly

Many people only go to the dentist when they feel pain or discomfort, but this can delay the diagnosis of oral problems.

Regular dental visits are essential for the prevention and early treatment of conditions such as cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer.

What to do: Make an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

These visits help maintain oral health and prevent major complications.

Conclusion

Take good care of oral hygiene It is important not only to keep your teeth and gums in good condition, but also to preserve the health of your body as a whole.

Avoiding these five common mistakes can make a big difference in preventing problems ranging from cavities and gum disease to heart disease and systemic infections.

Therefore, adopt a complete oral care routine and visit your dentist regularly to ensure full health.