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Adult Dentistry
Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes You Might Be Making
Dr. Gina Dorfman 5 min read
Even if you brush twice daily, you might be sabotaging your oral health with these common errors.
You brush twice a day and floss regularly, but are you doing it correctly? Many people unknowingly make mistakes that compromise their oral health.
Common Brushing Mistakes
Brushing Too Hard - Damages enamel and gums - Use gentle, circular motions instead
Wrong Toothbrush - Hard bristles can harm gums - Choose soft or extra-soft bristles
Not Brushing Long Enough - Most people brush for only 45 seconds - Aim for a full 2 minutes
Using Old Toothbrush - Replace every 3 months - Or when bristles look frayed
Flossing Errors
Skipping Flossing - Brushing only cleans 60% of tooth surfaces - Floss reaches between teeth and under gumline
Snapping Floss - Can damage gums - Gently slide floss using a sawing motion
Using Same Section - Use fresh floss for each tooth - Dirty floss spreads bacteria
Other Mistakes
Brushing Right After Eating - Acid weakens enamel temporarily - Wait 30 minutes after acidic foods
Ignoring Your Tongue - Bacteria accumulate on the tongue - Brush or scrape your tongue daily
Skipping Dental Visits - Professional cleanings remove tartar - Exams catch problems early
Related Topics
oral hygiene
brushing
flossing
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