The Most Common Dental Mistakes People Make in 2023

Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for your overall health and well-being. Good oral hygiene can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. However, many people make dental mistakes that can lead to these problems.

Here are some of the most common dental mistakes people make in 2023:

• Brushing your teeth too hard. Brushing too hard can damage your enamel and gums, leading to sensitivity, recession, and other problems. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure when brushing.

• Not flossing regularly. Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. If you don't floss regularly, plaque can build up and harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Aim to floss once a day, before bed.

• Skipping regular dental checkups and cleanings. Even if you brush and floss regularly, it's important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your Kent Smiles Dentistry can check for cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems, and clean your teeth professionally to remove plaque and tartar that you may have missed. The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months.

• Eating and drinking sugary foods and drinks. Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay. When you eat or drink sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that can attack your tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to cavities. Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and brush your teeth afterwards if you do consume them.

• Smoking and chewing tobacco. Smoking and chewing tobacco are harmful to your overall health and your oral health. They can stain your teeth, irritate your gums, and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you smoke or chew tobacco, quit. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and your oral health.

New dental mistakes to avoid in 2023

In addition to the common dental mistakes listed above, there are a few new dental mistakes that people are making in 2023:

• Overusing teeth whitening products. Teeth whitening products can be effective at removing stains and brightening your smile, but using them too often can damage your enamel. If you use teeth whitening products, follow the directions on the label carefully and do not use them more often than recommended.

• Drinking too many acidic beverages. Acidic beverages, such as soda, juice, and energy drinks, can erode your tooth enamel. If you drink acidic beverages, limit your intake and rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

• Not wearing a mouthguard during sports and activities. If you participate in sports or activities that carry a risk of mouth injury, such as football, basketball, or hockey, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums.

• Using electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices contain nicotine, which is harmful to your oral health. Nicotine can dry out your mouth, which can lead to increased plaque and tartar buildup. It can also irritate your gums and make them more susceptible to infection. If you use electronic cigarettes or vaping devices, quit.

• Not using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. Use a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, every day.

Tips for maintaining good oral health

Here are some tips for maintaining good oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.

• Floss once a day.

• Visit your Dentist in Kent, Washington for regular checkups and cleanings.

• Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.

• Use fluoride toothpaste.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Avoid using electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.

By avoiding these common dental mistakes and following these tips, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.