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In order to have strong and healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to practice good dental hygiene habits regularly. However, it can be difficult to remember all of the things you should do (and shouldn’t do) every day to keep your mouth clean. To help you, let’s check out six of the most common dental hygiene mistakes your dentist in Sparks sees so you can help keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape!

1. Not Flossing Regularly

Many patients tend to only when they feel like it, such as right before a dental appointment, rather than at a regular schedule. While flossing can seem inconvenient to floss every single day, your dental health depends on it. Brushing alone will not get rid of plaque between teeth, which can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay over time. You should floss daily with either standard floss, a floss pick, or a water flosser. 

2. Brushing Too Often

Your dentist in Sparks recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. So, if brushing two times is good, wouldn’t brushing more be even better? In fact, the opposite is true. Brushing your teeth too often can wear down tooth enamel, making it easier for cavities to form and teeth to become sensitive. Additionally, you shouldn’t brush your teeth immediately after eating sugary sweets or acidic foods. Instead, try rinsing your mouth out with water. 

3. Improper Brushing Technique

Believe it or not, there is such a thing as bad brushing. For example, if you scrub too hard you can damage enamel and irritate gums. This can lead to gum recession and tooth sensitivity as well as increase the likelihood of cavities. Instead, brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle and in gentle circles to get a thorough clean.

4. Using The Wrong Tools

There are tons of toothbrushes and flossing products to choose from, but how do you know what’s right for you? First, talk to your dentist in Sparks. However, many times, patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect tooth enamel while brushing. When it comes to flossing, the best floss is the floss that’s used daily, so find a product that makes flossing easier so you can stick to a routine. 

5. Brushing Before Flossing

The best way to get your teeth squeaky clean is to floss first and then brush. Otherwise, bacteria can remain in between your teeth which will only spread around your mouth after you’ve already brushed. Flossing first will ensure that none of these germs remain when you start brushing. Instead, all that bacteria is swept away by your floss and into the trash where it belongs!

6. Not Seeing Your Dentist in Sparks Regularly

Seeing your dentist twice a year is essential for not only keeping your teeth clean and healthy but also preventing issues before they can become serious. If you wait until you start having tooth pain or seeing things like decay or gums that are pulling away from your teeth, you’re putting yourself at risk for more invasive treatments. Schedule appointments with your dentist twice a year to keep your smile healthy and bright. 

Since dental hygiene plays such an important role in our overall health, it’s essential to make sure we’re doing everything right. Making small changes to your oral hygiene routine can make all the difference in having a strong, healthy smile. 

There’s a reason why your dentist in Sparks encourages you to visit every six months. What happens if you wait longer than six months, or don’t go to the dentist at all? The truth is, missing just one dental appointment can lead to multiple problems. Here are a few things that can happen if you don’t visit the dentist twice a year. 

Cavities

The most obvious and most common result of not visiting the dentist regularly is cavities. 

Without regular visits, our teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria eating away at our enamel. Left unchecked, cavities can lead to serious problems like painful abscesses. Cavities are preventable through regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Even if a cavity develops, treatment is quick and easy if caught early. 

Gum Disease

A more serious side effect of avoiding dental appointments is gum disease. Gum disease is caused by bacteria in plaque, which forms when food particles collect between teeth and along gum lines. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious oral health problems and even some other illnesses. In fact, gum disease increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. When caught early, gum disease can be treated before it can cause serious problems. However, when it’s left to progress, it eventually reaches a point where it’s irreversible. 

Tooth Loss

According to a 2013 survey, nearly one in four American adults have lost all of their teeth, while a third of Americans aged 30-64 have no natural teeth left at all. Early tooth loss is often due to a lack of dental care, and other studies have found that just one missed dental appointment can significantly increase your risk for gum disease or tooth loss. Tooth loss can affect both your oral health and overall health. Missing teeth make it hard to eat a balanced diet and can take a toll on your self-confidence. But there is some good news. Teeth can often be replaced with dental implants, dentures, or a dental bridge. 

So How Often Do You Really Need to See the Dentist? 

Usually, the recommended maximum amount of time between dental appointments is six months. However, your dentist in Sparks may recommend that certain people visit more often, including those who are at higher risk of developing dental problems such as: 

• Pregnant women
• Smokers
• Those with gum disease
• Diabetics  

Why People Avoid The Dentist 

There are a number of reasons why some people avoid going to the dentist. People may not like the sights and sounds of a dental office, or they may be embarrassed about having to talk about their oral health and hygiene issues in front of others. Fear and anxiety over what the dentist might find can also cause people to put off their dental checkups for months at a time, which could lead to serious problems down the road. If you’re nervous about your dental checkups, make sure you talk with your dentist in Sparks so they can help find ways to help you relax during your visits.