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Oral Health Mistakes You’re Making And How To Fix Them

You’ve been told to take care of your teeth for as long as you can remember – but how do you know if you’re doing it right?

Brushing twice a day and flossing may seem simple, but there’s more you can do to maintain a healthy mouth.

To help you keep your gums in shape, we spoke to dentist Dr Richard Marques about the most common oral health mistakes, and how to fix them.

1. Using Toothpicks As Floss

We’ve all seen shots of Matthew McConaughey with a toothpick hanging out of his mouth, but it’s not good for those pearly whites. According to Dr Marques, using wooden toothpicks as a substitute for dental floss is risky as they can easily splinter and cause gum sensitivity.

“They’re also not particularly sanitary and can’t reach right between the teeth like regular floss can. If you find flossing with tape uncomfortable, try an air or water flosser,” he suggests. Superdrug's Pro Care Sensitive Floss is a great choice as it expands to gently clean wider gaps.

2. Ignoring An Issue

If you notice a problem, Dr Marques recommends you get to the dentist as soon as you can. “Ignoring a chipped tooth, however minor it seems, can lead to additional chips and cracks. If it’s sharp, it can also cause painful cuts inside the mouth. If it’s badly chipped, it could require more serious treatment, such as a root canal.”

That goes for regular check-ups, too. “No matter how well you take care of your teeth, you should always aim to visit the dentist every six months,” says Dr Marques. “They can detect problems you may not yet be aware of and treat them before they become a bigger issue.”

3. Sticking To A Manual Toothbrush

If there’s one key tool to keep your gnashers looking good, it’s an electric toothbrush.

As Dr Marques explains, “Electric toothbrushes take a lot of the work and worry out of your hands. Many have functions that allow you to control the speed and intensity to suit your needs. We just can’t recreate the oscillation that removes surface plaque from the teeth so effectively with a manual brush.”

So, which electric brush to choose? It all depends on what you’re focusing on. “Some have settings specifically designed for what you need to concentrate more on, such as whitening or fresher breath,” explains Dr Marques. “This is also true of the different types of heads. Rubber sections in the middle of some designs help more with stain removal, whilst others have softer bristles for more sensitive teeth.”

Pick up the Superdrug Pro Care Advanced Clean Electric Toothbrush for a gentle and effective option.

4. Opting For Boozy Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a common component of many oral hygiene routines, but how do you choose the best one? “Mouthwash that contains alcohol can actually dry out the mouth, leaving it more susceptible to bacterial growth and bad breath,” says Dr Marques. “Stick to alcohol-free rinses and make sure you swish it around the mouth for 30 to 60 seconds for a thorough clean and a healthier smile.” Try Superdrug's Pro Care Mouth Rinse as an alcohol-free option that gives you 12 hours fresh breath.

5. Mistreating Your Brush

“If you don’t allow your toothbrush to air-dry after brushing, bacteria can multiply rapidly on the moist bristles,” explains Dr Marques. “Keep your toothbrush in the open, where it can dry quickly (not in a cupboard, for example), and be particularly careful to dry the head as best you can before placing in a travel case.” Remember to change your head every few months, too.

(12/18/2023)
by Men´s Health

More Information: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/health/a32090932/oral-health-mistakes/

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