Signs You’re Not Brushing as Well as You Thought You Were

Keeping a healthy smile is a lot of work, and maybe you already have a solid oral hygiene routine: You brush twice a day, floss regularly, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. But how do you know if you’re doing enough? 

Unfortunately, cavities and gum disease are pretty hard to avoid. Nearly 100% of adults have at least one dental cavity with an additional 15-20% of adults ages 35-44 having severe gum disease.

So what are the signs that you’re maybe needing to step up the thoroughness of your oral hygiene routine? Tamir Segal, DMD, and our team at Periodontist of Weston tell you what things to look out for that might be signaling you to improve your brushing habits and what steps to take to have a healthy dental routine.

What poor oral hygiene can cause

When you don’t brush your teeth as well as you need to, bacteria can build up and lead to plaque, acid-producing bacteria, and inflammation. All of these things can wreak havoc on your teeth and mouth and cause cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss if proper preventative care isn’t done for your teeth.

Not caring for your teeth well or thoroughly enough can cause symptoms that include:

• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
• Tooth sensitivity
• Gums that bleed after brushing
• Pain when chewing
• Toothaches
• Dry mouth

These are all possible signs of cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay which can be detrimental not only to your oral health but your overall well-being too.

Tips for good brushing habits

The good news is that there are some simple steps you can follow to improve your overall oral hygiene, such as:

• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes two times a day
• Brush each tooth individually to ensure you don’t miss a spot
• Start with the outer surfaces of your tooth and then move to the inner surfaces
• Clean the chewing surfaces of your back teeth by using short strokes
• Brush your tongue for fresh breath

Also, make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months.

In addition to having good brushing techniques, regular flossing and trips to the dentist for cleanings are vital for good oral hygiene.

If you find yourself struggling with oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease, don’t hesitate to call our Periodontist of Weston office located in Weston, Florida, at 954-385-9599 or use our online scheduler to set up an appointment with us today.