Many people who are committed to preventing tooth decay make mistakes in their oral care routine that end up hurting them. Someone who is confident that they maintain healthy teeth can learn that they have one cavity, or even several, during a dental exam! This can be a consequence of more than just infrequent brushing. Aggressive brushing, a rushed routine, and other issues can affect the quality of your oral hygiene efforts. At our Gary, IN dentist’s office, we can talk with you about maintaining a successful approach to cavity prevention during exams. By making positive changes, you can reduce your risk for problems that will require restorative dental work.

You May Be Spending Too Little Time Brushing

People who regularly brush at least two times a day can still leave themselves vulnerable to tartar buildup, gum disease, and dental decay. While they brush consistently, they make the mistake of not brushing for long enough to fully clean their smile. If you worry that you are guilty of this mistake, time yourself when you clean your teeth. To fully clear away food particles and bacteria, you should commit at least two minutes to this process.

Is It Time To Let Go Of Your Current Toothbrush?

Brush bristles wear down over time, which means they lose their effectiveness at clearing away harmful debris from your enamel. If you want to avoid problems that require dental fillings and dental crowns, take care to pick up replacements at three month intervals. You should also look for signs of early wear and tear on the bristles – replacing a brush early can be a good idea if they start to look worn.

Aggressive Brushing Can Lead To Problems

Aggressively brushing is not necessary for removing plaque and bits of food. It is also not effective at dislodging stubborn tartar deposits. Unfortunately, one thing aggressive brushing can do is cause friction that can gradually erode layers of enamel, making you more vulnerable to teeth stains as well as cavities. Your goal when cleaning your smile is to be as thorough as possible. Time and consistency make this easier, but forceful brush strokes can create more problems for you.

Your Gary, IN Dentist Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Smile

Have you struggled with tooth decay, gingivitis, or other oral health issues in the past? One thing to do in order to improve your smile health is look for shortcomings in your oral hygiene routine. You should also take advantage of preventive dental care. At routine appointments, we can talk with you about issues affecting your smile, provide a teeth cleaning, and help you find ways to improve your routine at home. To find out more, please call Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, today at 219-938-2637.