5 Bad and Good Dental Behaviors

 

 

 

5 Bad and Good Dental Behaviors

 

 

 

 

Bad: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush.

Not only can brushing with bristles

that are too hard be painful, it can also wear

away the gums and erode tooth enamel

at the gum line.

Good: Brushing with a soft-bristled

toothbrush.

Pliable bristles are easier on gums and

can reach in between teeth and under

the gums without causing damage or pain.

 

 

 

 

Bad: Not flossing daily,

or flossing incorrectly.

Even if you’re flossing every

day as recommended, it won’t do much

good if your technique is off.

Good: Flossing daily and taking

the time to do it right.

If you don’t know how to go it right,

feel free to ask about flossing.

 

 

 

 

Bad: Not wearing a mouth guard

while playing sports.

Without the protection offered by

a mouth guard, you and your sporty

friends are more likely to suffer from

lacerations, bruises and chipped or

lost teeth.

Good: Wearing a mouth guard,

even for non-contact sports that have a

high possibility for mouth injury,

such as ice skating or snowboarding.

Wearing a sports guard can help

prevent a concision.

 

 

 

 

Bad: Sharing utensils, particularly

with infants and toddlers.

Everyday activities such as sharing utensils,

tasting each other’s food or washing a

pacifier off in your mouth may seem

harmless, but they can actually pass

bad bacteria from one mouth to another –

including bacteria that cause cavities.

Good: Making sure everyone has his or

her own utensils, straws and

toothbrushes.

Avoid passing cavity-causing bacteria

by making sure no one shares

toothbrushes, utensils, straws or food.

If you have a little one, don’t clean his or

her pacifier by placing it in your own

mouth and discourage your child from

placing fingers in anyone’s mouth.

Children will usually put their fingers

back into their own mouths afterward,

increasing the chance of transmitting

bacteria.

 

 

 

 

Bad: Grinding teeth, also known as

bruxism.

Over time, this painful habit can wear

down teeth and may even cause

fractures, not to mention disrupting loved

ones’ sleep!

Good: Taking steps to stop nighttime

grinding.

If you know you’re a nighttime

grinder, talk with your dentist.

We can recommend treatment,

including a mouth guard that will prevent

tooth damage. Unsure if you’re grinding

your teeth in your sleep?

Common symptoms include headaches,

unexplained facial pain, a sore jaw,

neck or earaches.By following these

“good” dental behaviors this holiday season

(and all year), you’ll be rewarded

with the best present of all – a healthy

smile and pain-free mouth!

 

 

 

 

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