When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, knowledge is power. When you understand the things that put your smile at risk, you can make better decisions to protect your oral health. Keep reading to learn more from our Saint Louis dentists…
Skipping water as you start your day
Get your day started the right way by re-hydrating your body and your smile. You want to jump-start saliva production before you consume anything acidic or sugary, like coffee or cereal.
Using the wrong toothbrush
Upgrading your toothbrush can help you keep your smile cleaner, longer, while minimizing dental discoloration. You want to make sure that the head of your toothbrush is small enough to reach your back molars and clean hard-to-reach gum tissue. Pay attention also the type of bristle on your toothbrush; using bristles that are too firm can actually lead to enamel and gum tissue damage.
Picking at your smile with pointy tools
Try to avoid using metal or wooden toothpicks to clean between your teeth. Refresh your smile with floss or by using a mouth rinse instead!
Skimping on brushing time
Many patients are surprised to learn that the American Dental Association says that we should be brushing for two minutes every time that we brush. It can be hard to gauge how long to brush; try setting a timer or listing to a two-minute-long song to keep track.
Not addressing dry mouth at night
During the night, your body loses a lot of water, and this can create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in your mouth. Chronic dry mouth is linked to halitosis, gum disease, and cavity development. So, if you are experiencing dry mouth during the night you may need to consume more water or use a mouth rinse before bed.
Our Saint Louis dentists can give you additional, personalized recommendations after your personal consultation—give us a call to learn more!