What is stopping you from maintaining your healthiest smile? Patients who believe they have nothing to worry about when it comes to their oral health are sometimes caught off guard by news that they need restorative dental work. Despite convincing themselves they have no problems with their hygiene routine, they may be making a costly mistake, or possibly several. Our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office proudly takes care of our patients’ teeth and gums during regular dental checkups. To further protect your smile from harm, be sure to avoid the kinds of mistakes that can lead to problems like gingivitis and tooth decay.
1. A Poorly Managed Diet
Brushing at least two times a day, and flossing at least once, will help you fight the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. Maintaining a poor diet that is high in sugar and limited in nutritional value can undermine those efforts. When a person eats more sugar, bacteria have more food, which leads to more damage for your enamel. By cutting back on sugar, and enjoying meals and snacks that contain calcium and other important nutrients, you can keep your teeth safe between those times you actively clean them!
2. An Inconsistent Brushing And Flossing Routine
You always brush your teeth at least twice a day, and you never go a day without flossing, so you have nothing to worry about. Well, you might occasionally skip brushing if you are running late to work, or let it slide at night when you are especially tired. If you feel like there is no food stuck between teeth, you may feel comfortable skipping flossing. After all, you normally stay consistent, so how much harm could these smile slip-ups cause?
If you want to protect yourself against plaque and tartar buildup, stick to your routine every day. Failing to do so can lead to worrying bacteria buildup, and that can leave you struggling to prevent problems.
3. Ineffective Brushing Practices
Small changes in your brushing routine can be more beneficial than you might expect. If you want to make the most of this habit, and avoid a dental filling at your next dental visit, make sure you are not holding onto the same brush for too long. Replacing yours every three months, or whenever you notice that the bristles look worn, is recommended. It is also a good idea to check on how long you spend brushing – if you do not take at least two minutes each time, your sessions may be less effective than you believe them to be.
Our St. Louis, MO Dentist’s Office Helps Families Maintain Healthy Smiles
By providing quality oral health care as well as guidance on good habits to follow at home, Magnolia Family Dental helps people in and around St. Louis, MO take great care of their teeth! If you wish to know more about our practice, please call Magnolia Family Dental at 314-822-4521.
