
You know that your teeth are important; they help you chew nutritious and tasty food and they let you smile with confidence. That’s why you do your best to keep them clean and healthy.
Despite your good intentions and best efforts, however, it’s possible that you’re still doing something that’s slowly damaging your smile.
Here are four common ways Atlanta residents are ruining their oral health without realizing it.
Brushing or flossing too hard.
If you’re enthusiastic about your oral hygiene, then you might brush and floss as aggressively as possible to prevent disease. The problem, however, is that rough brushing can cause gum recession and enamel wear. Rough flossing can also cut your gums and make them recede.
Brushing right after eating.
It’s common sense to clean your teeth after a meal, right? If you brush too soon after eating, however, you can spread dangerous enamel-dissolving acids around your mouth. It’s best to wait at least a half hour for your saliva to neutralize and rinse away acids before brushing.
Grinding or clenching your teeth.
Also called “bruxing,” teeth grinding is an unconscious habit that often happens at night during sleep. If you have this problem, your teeth are prone to cracking, premature wear, sensitivity, and gum recession.
Using the wrong mouthwash.
It is possible to choose the wrong rinse! The right mouthwash will contain ingredients that strengthen teeth and fight plaque. The wrong ones have no useful ingredients and only dry out your mouth.
Are you guilty of any of these?
Find out how your smile is doing and discover more facts on optimum oral health by scheduling a checkup with our team.