Many people are guilty of improper hygiene which could lead to damaged teeth and gums. Here are a few bad oral health habits you might be doing and some good habits that you need to develop.

You Brush Too Hard & Too Quickly

Even if you’re in a rush always take the time to brush your teeth properly. Vigorous brush strokes scratch the surface of the teeth and may leave grooves where plaque and stains deposit. Brush gently in small circular motions, with your toothbrush tilted towards your gum-line at an angle of 45 degrees. You can try humming a tune or playing a song while brushing to monitor the time. Play the ABC song twice in your head with moderate speed this is a good length of time for a quick brush. Brushing should not bend the bristles of your brush because it’s a sign that you are applying too much force.

You Put Protective Caps Over Your Brush

Air-dry your brushes after use. Enclosing them in caps keep in moisture and allows bacteria to grow and multiply. You may use ultraviolet cleaning instruments if you have them but all you really need to do is make sure that the brush is clean and dry when it is stored.

You Skimp On Floss

Snap off 17 or 18 inches of floss for every session. Use an inch of floss for every tooth; rub the floss against the surface of the teeth in sawing motions until you feel resistance at the gum-line. Twine the floss over one finger after every tooth so that a fresh section of floss is used for each.

You Rely On Tartar Control Tooth Paste and Fluoride Mouthwashes

While these products may be good for your teeth they should not induce you to be lazy on oral care. Do not think that these products by themselves will take care of all of your dental hygiene needs. They may help maintain your gums and teeth but true oral health can only be achieved with regular flossing and proper brushing.

You Snack On Sticky or Sweet Food

Sticky foods can’t be washed away easily, and when food stays on the mouth for long periods of time cavities and enamel erosion occurs. Sugar and starch feeds the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth and produces acid byproducts. An acidic environment is the main cause of dental decay. Prevent this by avoiding carbonated sodas, cookies, crackers, sugar candies, chips, cake and candies. If you have to consume them make sure to brush afterward. Cheese and peanuts are good to eat before or after meals because they neutralize acids in the mouth and re-mineralize the teeth.

You Think Drinking Milk Is Enough

Milk is a great source of calcium which makes teeth and bones stronger. However the calcium in milk and other dairy products can only be absorbed with the presence of Vitamin D. It is also called the sun vitamin because we can get it from being exposed to the sun. During winter you can get your Vitamin D through other sources like Cod liver oil, mackerel and tuna.

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