4 Common Dental Health Mistakes

Everyday upkeep of our teeth can be simultaneously simple and difficult. Simple because you know that you should be brushing your teeth and flossing daily. Difficult because other common everyday behaviors can impede a good standard of oral health care.

Below are 4 common dental health mistakes that might be impeding on a good standard of oral health care:

1) Brushing Your Teeth Immediately after Eating

“Although we feel brushing immediately after eating provides us with the best possible defense against cavities, it may be doing irreversible harm.”^[1]

“The acidic environment weakens the teeth enamel and erosion can occur during this vulnerable period, so neutralize your mouth first by drinking milk or water, or rinsing with a baking soda solution--or just waiting 30 minutes.”^[2]

2)  Ignoring Grinding or Clenching^[3]

In our previous blog “Causes and Treatment of Bruxism,” we explain the wear and tear caused by bruxing or clenching or grinding the teeth. Bruxism can cause some serious damage such as teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose and worn tooth enamel that exposes deeper layers of your tooth.

Ignoring bruxing behaviors and symptoms can be consequential not only to your teeth and oral care, but also to your comfort as symptoms can additionally include jaw, neck, or face pain and sleep disruption.

3) Smoking

“...smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease (and the gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss that come with it), according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.”^[4]

Additionally, as we discussed in “April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month,” 75% of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.

4) Putting Off Your Dental Appointment^[5]

“Many disease processes in the mouth, including early decay, cancer, or pre-cancer and periodontal (gum) disease, are often silent until they are in the advanced stages. Your dental professional knows the early warning signs. Regular oral exams, both professionally and also performing a regular oral self-exam, provide you with the best possible outcome to maintain oral and overall health.”

At Villa Canyon Prosthodontics--we know it can be difficult to sift through all the information on the internet in an effort to adopt better oral health habits and health habits in general. You can rest assured that Scottsdale Prosthodontist Dr. Michael L. Bleeker has you covered. Dr. Bleeker will always make sure to evaluate your condition and come up with a treatment plan designed to restore optimal results using the least invasive procedures.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bleeker, please call 480-306-8510 or click here.

Remember to give your teeth the attention they need today!