12 Common Teeth Cleaning Mistakes You Are Probably Making

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial not only for a bright smile but also for overall health. The Canadian Dental Association emphasizes the link between oral health and conditions like diabetes and heart disease, highlighting the importance of prioritizing your oral care routine. However, many individuals, despite their best intentions, unknowingly make mistakes when cleaning their teeth, potentially jeopardizing their oral and overall well-being.

Even with the right intentions, some habits or techniques can limit the effectiveness of your oral hygiene. These improper teeth cleaning habits are easy to fix. By understanding and correcting these mistakes, you can significantly enhance your oral health and reduce the risk of dental problems.

1. Brushing too hard: Aggressive brushing can damage your gums and erode tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and careful circular motions to take off plaque and debris from teeth, similar to the effect of harsh brushing on delicate surfaces.
2. Not brushing long enough: The Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing for at least 2 minutes, twice a day. Most people fall short of this target, leaving plaque and bacteria behind to wreak havoc on their teeth. Set a timer or use a toothbrush with a built-in timer to ensure you are brushing for the full 2 minutes.
3. Ignoring the gum line: Plaque often accumulates along the gum line, potentially causing inflammation and gum disease. Angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees towards the gums to effectively clean this critical area and prevent gum-related issues.
4. Using the wrong toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a head size that comfortably reaches all areas of your mouth. A toothbrush that is too large can make it difficult to manoeuvre and clean effectively. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become frayed, as worn bristles are less effective at removing plaque.
5. Incorrect flossing technique: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Use a gentle sawing motion to guide the floss between teeth and curve it around each tooth, reaching below the gum line. Avoid snapping the floss into your gums, as this can cause irritation and damage.
6. Skipping the tongue: A buildup of bacteria on your tongue can cause bad breath and perhaps have an impact on your general dental health. Gently brush or scrape your tongue from back to front to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
7. Rinsing immediately after brushing: Rinsing with water after brushing washes away the fluoride from your toothpaste, reducing its effectiveness in strengthening enamel and preventing decay. Instead of rinsing, simply spit out the excess toothpaste to allow the fluoride to remain on your teeth and continue working.
8. Not cleaning your toothbrush properly: Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use and store it upright in an open-air holder to allow it to dry completely. A damp toothbrush can harbour bacteria, which can then be reintroduced into your mouth during your next brushing session.
9. Using mouthwash as a substitute for brushing and flossing: Mouthwash can freshen breath and kill some bacteria, but it cannot replace the mechanical cleaning action of brushing and flossing. Think of mouthwash as a complement to your oral care routine, not a replacement for essential practices.
10. Brushing too soon after eating acidic foods: Acidic foods and drinks can temporarily soften tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to damage from brushing. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to allow your saliva to neutralize the acid and re-harden the enamel.
11. Not visiting the dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and identifying potential issues early on. The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least twice a year, or more frequently if you have specific dental concerns.
12. Ignoring bleeding gums: Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Don’t ignore this symptom; schedule a dental appointment to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications.

Risks and Consequences of Improper Teeth Cleaning

Improper teeth cleaning can have various short-term and long-term effects on both oral and general health. These are some common risks associated with poor cleaning habits.

• Tooth decay: Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on teeth. These bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth, leading to cavities. If left untreated, cavities can cause significant pain, infection, and ultimately, tooth loss. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are crucial to prevent tooth decay and maintain healthy teeth.
• Gum disease: Gum disease starts with gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Without proper care, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a severe infection that damages the gums and bone supporting the teeth. This can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent gum disease and its potential complications.
• Bad breath: Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is primarily caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce volatile sulphur compounds. These compounds have an unpleasant odour that can affect social interactions and self-confidence. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing the tongue, and using mouthwash can help combat bad breath and keep your breath fresh.
• Tooth sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth, becomes exposed due to receding gums or enamel erosion. This exposure makes teeth sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, causing discomfort and pain. Addressing the underlying causes of dentin exposure and using desensitizing toothpaste can help manage tooth sensitivity.
• Tooth discoloration: The consumption of certain foods and drinks, along with tobacco use, can stain teeth over time. Poor oral hygiene can worsen this discoloration, resulting in a dull or yellowed smile. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings can help prevent and reduce tooth discoloration, maintaining a brighter smile.
• Increased risk of systemic diseases: According to several studies, Poor oral health is linked to increased risk of systemic diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Maintaining good oral hygiene may play a role in reducing the risk of these conditions.
• Dental emergencies: Neglecting oral hygiene can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing painful dental emergencies, such as toothaches and abscesses. These emergencies can be disruptive, requiring immediate dental attention to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. Regular dental checkups and good oral care habits can help avoid such emergencies.
• Costly dental treatments: Preventing dental problems through proper oral hygiene is much more cost-effective than treating advanced dental issues. Investing time and effort in good oral care habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, can save you from expensive and potentially invasive dental treatments in the long run.

Additional Tips for Optimal Oral Health

In addition to avoiding the common mistakes mentioned above, consider these tips to further enhance your oral care routine:

• Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks that cause cavities. When choosing a toothpaste, look for the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) seal of approval. This seal indicates the product has met strict standards for safety and effectiveness in fighting tooth decay and gum disease.
• Consider an Electric Toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes due to their oscillating or rotating heads. They are particularly helpful for people with limited dexterity or who tend to brush too aggressively. Many electric toothbrushes also have built-in timers to ensure you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, producing acids that erode enamel and lead to cavities. Acidic foods and drinks can also directly erode enamel. Opt for tooth-friendly snacks like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, which are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote oral health.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Water is essential for good oral health. This aids in the removal of food particles, maintaining mouth hydration, which is crucial for saliva production. Saliva neutralizes acids, remineralizes enamel, and washes away bacteria, protecting your teeth from decay.
• Do NOT Smoke: Smoking severely harms your oral health. It increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Smoking also stains teeth, reduces blood flow to the gums, and impairs healing. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve both your oral and overall health.
• Consider Using Interdental Brushes: In addition to flossing, consider incorporating interdental brushes into your oral care routine. These small brushes are designed to clean between your teeth, reaching areas that traditional floss might miss. They are especially useful for people with braces, bridges, or wider gaps between their teeth.

Maintaining optimal oral health is vital for your overall well-being. By being mindful of common teeth-cleaning mistakes and implementing the solutions provided, you can significantly improve your oral hygiene routine and reduce the risk of dental problems. Remember, prevention is key.

For personalized advice and professional dental care, contact Springdale Dental Centre at (905) 458-1212. We are committed to helping you achieve a healthy and radiant smile.