5 All-too-Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes

Healthy teeth can lead to brighter smiles, increased confidence, and better general health. Overall, people do a pretty good job of taking care of their teeth, but there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Today, we’re going to highlight 5 common oral hygiene mistakes and tell you what to do instead!

1. Over-Cleaning Your Brush – After giving your teeth a thorough cleaning, rinse off your toothbrush and store it upright, making sure to keep it from touching other brushes. Resist any urge to clean further; running your toothbrush through the dishwasher or excessively scrubbing the bristles leads to reduced brush function without adding much cleanliness! A simple rinse will do.

2. Brush Enclosures for Travel – While travelling, nothing beats the convenience of taking a toothbrush with a cover that clasps over the bristles. However, keeping your toothbrush all cooped up may not be the best idea. Once you’ve reached your destination and you’ve taken your brush out of your bag, store it uncovered and upright--just as you would at home--until you leave. Clasping moist bristles inside any kind of casing for extended periods of time creates an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish.

3. X-Ray Avoidance – As dentists, we field all sorts of patient concerns. More often than you’d think, people are hesitant to undergo dental x-rays for fear of radiation. We’re here to allay those fears. Your Valencia dentists use the most sophisticated, modern x-ray technology to drastically reduce any exposure to radiation. Our digital x-ray technology is extremely non-invasive and incredibly effective at identifying dental problems.

4. Smoking – Time and time again, we’re warned of the dangers of smoking. In addition to causing severe general health conditions (cancer, heart disease), smoking is also terrible for the teeth. It stains and damages enamel and makes treating gum disease more difficult. Nicotine compromises the body’s ability to naturally fight infection and inflammation, which makes gum diseases more painful, potent, and difficult to treat.

5. Jumping to Conclusions – It’s only natural that when something feels a little off in our bodies, we try to identify the cause of discomfort. Unfortunately, taking the hunt for diagnoses online can often do more harm than good. For example, did you know that something as simple as grinding teeth (bruxism) can be a symptom of something as nebulous as stress or as specific as sleep apnea? Visiting your Valencia dentist is the best way to get answers from a trained professional.

To learn more about how to keep your smile healthy, be sure to visit your friendly dentists in Valencia!

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia

smile@thedentist.com

Healthy Gums Make for Happy Bodies

You probably get an earful about the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth each time you visit your Valencia dentist. Yes, regular brushing will keep your teeth white and shiny and help your smile dazzle, but your oral hygiene routine does so much more than greaten your grin. By flossing and brushing multiple times per day, you’re also protecting your gums, which act as a gateway to your entire body. Today, we’re going to look at why keeping your gums healthy is essential to overall health.

Healthy Gums Help Prevent Cancer

Leaving teeth uncleaned and unflossed puts the gums at risk for inflammation. This type of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can lead to the development of periodontitis, which affects the tissue that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.

A study of more than 51,000 men found that those with a history of gum disease were at much greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer (64% more likely) than those who’ve never had gum disease. While there’s still no concrete evidence that periodontitis can cause pancreatic cancer, the link between the two is certain.

Healthy Gums Help Prevent Heart Disease

Unhealthy gums are more prone to regular bleeding. When inflamed, the tissues surrounding the teeth become more sensitive and are more easily injured. The unsettling truth of the matter is that these open wounds create pathways for bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream. These bacteria cause clots to form more easily, which increases your risk of heart disease.

By establishing a regular oral hygiene routine with your Valenica dentist, you can help keep your gums resilient and strong, closing off these gateways to the bloodstream.

Healthy Gums Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Although the science behind this theory is new, recent studies from NYU found that “subjects with Alzheimer’s disease had a significantly higher level of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with periodontal disease in their plasma compared to healthy people.” Again, while there isn’t sufficient evidence to say that gum disease causes Alzheimer’s disease, the link between the two conditions is undeniable.

Although it may seem scary, there’s nothing to fear! By regularly brushing, flossing, and visiting your Valencia dentist, you can maintain a smile that is both happy and healthy! Remember, you must pay attention to your teeth and your gums to keep your mouth and body strong! 

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia

smile@thedentist.com