Dental Care: 2 Things You Should Not Do

For the most part, patients have a clear idea about what they should and should not do for their smiles. You should brush and floss, you should come in for visits, you should ask us dental hygiene questions. You shouldn’t eat a lot of sugar, you shouldn’t go to bed without brushing your teeth, and you shouldn’t skip flossing. Unfortunately, there are a few areas of home care that can lead to a little bit of confusion (and some serious side effects). Rather than worrying that you might fall into one of these traps, rest assured: We are happy to explain, so you’re doing the most you can for your oral health.

Don’t Attempt Your Own Dental Treatments

If it’s something other than brushing, flossing, or rinsing your smile, don’t bother trying it out on your own. Want a whiter smile? Avoid the over-the-counter options and come in for cosmetic care. Need to get debris out from between your teeth but floss doesn’t suffice? Come see us, so we can perform the task safely. Whatever it is, big or small, we are always much happier to see you than to learn you risked your oral health.

Don’t Use Used Products

This sounds logical but it’s easy to overlook certain oral health details when it comes to using your own dental hygiene instruments. How is this possible? Let’s consider the following:

• If you’re using the same toothbrush for a period that lasts longer than three or four months, that toothbrush is spent. It needs to be replaced with a brand new toothbrush to protect your smile.
• If you’re using the same strand of dental floss more than once (maybe you thoroughly wash it off), that floss is considered used and needs to makes its way to the garbage can. Even with your closest attention to detail, your cleaning efforts will not leave that floss in good enough condition for a second use.