Most Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes Revealed

A proper oral hygiene routine seems pretty straight forward. You brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and your teeth thank you for it. It’s as easy as that, right? Not necessarily. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we want to provide you with a little insight to some of the top oral hygiene mistakes.

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing your teeth doesn’t have to be vigorous, and it’s actually better for you if it’s not. A habit of intense brushing may cause gum irritation and could even result in receding gums. It can also damage enamel. Scrubbing too hard tends to wear away the protective layer of enamel and makes your teeth more susceptible to decay. Instead of firm pressure, try brushing in gentle circles with the bristles aimed at a 45 degree angle.

Forgetting the Tongue

Our tongues collect and hold a lot of bacteria in all the little bumps and grooves. If left alone, the bacteria may transfer onto teeth and lead to decay. To avoid this, give your tongue a gentle rub with your toothbrush each and every time your brush.

Not Rinsing

We would love it if our patients brushed and flossed after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but sometimes it’s just not possible. If you’re sans toothbrush or in a place where you can’t brush, there is another thing you can try to remove some of the bacteria, food particles, and neutralize acid. A simple swish and spit with some water can work wonders in keeping your mouth healthy between brushings.

Brushing Too Soon

Heading to the sink armed with your toothbrush and toothpaste immediately following a meal may seem like a great idea, but in reality may cause damage. If your lunch was full of acidic foods, there’s a good chance your enamel is weakened for a little while following chowing down. Instead of risking scratching and losing the enamel, wait at least a half an hour after eating before brushing.

It’s not only important to brush and floss, it’s crucial to do it correctly and follow basic rules. If you catch yourself making any of the above mistakes, try to get out of the habit as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure you keep up with appointments at my dental office in The Woodlands. A great at-home routine paired with regular visits is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and happy.

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe .

Too-White Teeth? Is That Possible?

We all dream of having that streamlined, pearly white smile that lights up a room. But many things from coffee and wine to aging and smoking can cause our grins to take on a dingy appearance. It’s normal. When this happens, we usually reach for the whitening gel. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we’re all for getting a white smile. But is it possible to overdo it and get a too-white smile?

How White is Just Right?

In recent years, tooth whitening has gained in popularity, which is a great thing. However, it’s also led to a bit of and over-whitening craze. Like most things, whitening is best done in moderation. Your dentist can walk you through samples of shades of white to find your best fit and determine the best plan. If whitening is overdone, it can actually have the opposite effect and cause teeth to look almost blue or chalky and see-through.

How Often can I Whiten?

Whitening is safe, but there are some recommendations to keep your mouth healthy before, during, and after whitening. With that said, it’s extremely important not to overdo it. Constant whitening can erode tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to decay and cavities, increase sensitivity, and leave them looking really white and healthy when in fact, they’re not healthy at all.

Whitening Tips & Tricks

1. Before you decide to whiten your teeth, talk to your The Woodlands dentist. A discussion can help you determine which whitening product is best for you, what your ultimate shade of white should be, and to establish realistic expectations.
2. Beware of the one-size-fits-all trays and strips. Each mouth is different, and the trays or strips you use to whiten should be too. Sometimes, if the whitening ingredients touch your gums for too long, it could cause irritation or pain. If you’re nervous, it’s best to seek professional whitening.
3. If you do choose an over-the-counter whitening, make sure to read the directions carefully and don’t leave the strips on longer than recommended. This could also result in irritation and sensitivity.

If you’d like to kick your smile whiteness up a notch, give my dental office in The Woodlands a call. We’ll be happy to discuss your options and work with you to determine the best solution for you.

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe .