It is said that your mouth is the mirror to your body and reflects the general health and well-being. Everyone deserves to learn about the oral health regime and the mistakes people make while simultaneously taking it for granted. It is quite literally the small things that make the most impact when it comes to dental hygiene.

Let us floss through the dental mistakes we’ve been doing, knowingly and unknowingly:

1. Faulty Brushing TechniqueBrushing horizontally instead of vertical and circular strokes is considered as a faulty way of brushing. Also, brushing rigorously leads to enamel worn out.
2. Wrong ToothbrushUse of toothbrushes that are hard instead of soft. Toothbrushes with hard bristles causes damage to the enamel.
3. Abrasive ToothpasteToothpaste containing clove, salt or any other abrasive component should not be used. The use of gel based formulated fluoridated toothpaste does the trick.
4. Not brushing twiceBrushing at night is more important than brushing in the morning. At night, there is more bacteria build up due to less saliva which can lead to formation of caries.
5. Consuming Excessive sweetsEating or drinking too much sugary products and not rinsing the mouth contributes to caries formation.
6. Smoking / Tobacco chewingUse of tobacco or smoking can cause damage to your oral hygiene along with your overall health.
7. Ignoring the First SignsFoul smell from the mouth, bleeding gums and sensitivity to cold are the first signs of dental problems. Ignoring these signs and not visiting the dentist once in 6 months can aggravate the underlying issue at hand.
8. Use of ToothpicksPicking chunks of stuck food in between your teeth with the help of toothpick should be avoided. Flossing is considered an essential step along with brushing to get rid of the debris from in between the teeth.
9. Excessive intake of citrus food and aerated beveragesIt can lead to erosion of the enamel over time because of the acidic nature of the consumed food / beverages.
10. Avoiding a professional cleaning during pregnancyPregnant women are more prone to inflammation of the gums and consecutive gum enlargement due to hormonal changes. A session of professional cleaning is advised for pregnant women.
11. Not starting oral health regime early in lifeIgnorance of an oral hygiene regime or not taking care of the milk teeth since childhood can be harmful for the child.
12. Excessive use of a MouthwashTeeth get stained if the mouthwash is used for more than 3 weeks at a stretch. It should also not be used immediately after brushing as the ingredients of the toothpaste counteract with the ingredients of the mouthwash.
13. Not getting professional cleaning doneScaling or a professional cleaning should be done once in 6 months failing which leads to plaque and tartar deposits further leading to gum diseases.Let us prioritise oral health for the betterment of our overall health. Empowering and educating our loved ones about the importance of oral hygiene and having the discipline to follow can prevent plenty of dental issues and contribute to an overall well-being of the individual.