7 Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes You’re Probably Making & How To Fix Them

Here at White Glo, we strive to make it easier for you to enjoy effective at-home oral care by offering a range of products for every taste – from activated charcoal products to travellers dental packs for when you’re on the go – and professional 

dental tips and advice. We give you the tools you need for a healthy smile – just add water and brush!

Oral hygiene is important. But even when you know the basics, it’s still easy to fall into bad habits or make mistakes that are actually damaging your teeth in the long term. Let us spotlight some of the most common dental mistakes and show you how to fix them.

Dental mistakes and their solutions

1. Only brushing once (or not at all)
   
   Brushing helps remove bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, plaque buildup, halitosis, and other painful problems. Doing it twice a day? Twice as effective. Be sure to brush both in the morning and at night with fluoride toothpaste.

2. Brushing too hard
   
   Hard scrubbing might make your teeth feel smooth, but it can also abrade your enamel and cause some pretty serious issues over time. Use a soft-headed brush and small circular motions to gently clean your teeth instead.

3. Not brushing long enough
   
   Do you brush for 30 seconds then call it good? You might as well not do it at all. Brush for a full two minutes to ensure you remove all the food particles and bacteria from your mouth. 

4. Skipping the floss
   
   This is one of the most common dental mistakes and one that does the most damage. Floss at least once a day to help prevent cavities, gum disease, sensitive and bleeding gums, and root canal infections.

5. Under or over-utilising mouthwash
   
   Is mouthwash your whole oral care routine? Do you never use it? Either way, you’re doing your mouth a disservice. Mouthwash should be used in addition to brushing and flossing to help flush out any remaining bacteria, strengthen your enamel, and provide a fresh feeling.

6. Using the wrong products
   
   Do you know what’s in your toothpaste? It’s important to choose dental products that provide the six daily requirements for good oral health. 

7. Brushing too soon
   
   Brushing after eating gets rid of those pesky food particles – great idea, right? Actually, it’s better to wait at least 30 minutes in between finishing a meal and brushing your teeth. As bacteria break down your food, it turns to acid on your teeth. And, brushing can cause enamel to erode.

Working together for quality oral care