{"id":14165,"date":"2022-06-30T17:59:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T17:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/?p=14165"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:39:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:39:01","slug":"teeth-cleaning-mistakes-you-should-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/2022\/06\/30\/teeth-cleaning-mistakes-you-should-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"Yikes! Teeth-Cleaning Mistakes That Make Your Dentist Cringe"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Team<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When it comes to oral care, all you have to do is brush twice a day and floss daily, right? Actually, there is a lot more to it! In fact, even if you\u2019re an avid brusher, you may be making a few errors that are compromising the condition of your teeth and gums. With this in mind, keep reading to learn a few teeth-cleaning mistakes that make your dentist cringe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Mistake #1: You Rarely Replace Your Toothbrush<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be honest\u2026 when was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If the answer is \u201cmore than three months ago,\u201d then it\u2019s been too long! Getting a new one (or switching the head of your electric one) every quarter is essential for effectively cleaning your teeth. After all, using a dirty toothbrush to clean your teeth is like using a dirty sponge to clean your dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mistake #2: You Go Overboard on the Whitening Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In an effort to blast away stubborn stains, you may ignore the instructions on your whitening products. Don\u2019t! Overuse can result in several complications, including enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity. The best way to safely restore your bright, white smile is to talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening. With a licensed dental professional overseeing your treatment, you can achieve the beautiful results you desire while preserving your oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mistake #3: You Rush Through Your Oral Hygiene Regimen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that most people only brush their teeth for 45 seconds at a time? To properly clean your teeth, you should be brushing for a full two minutes. In the same vein, make sure to rinse with mouthwash for the suggested amount of time on the label. Neglecting to do so can leave behind food particles, bacteria, and the like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mistake #4: You Don\u2019t Floss Daily<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In short, brushing only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth. To properly clean between your teeth and along your gumline, it\u2019s of the utmost importance that you floss. If you don\u2019t like traditional floss, try using a pre-threaded variety or a water flosser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mistake #5: You Don\u2019t Visit the Dentist Annually<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remember, biannual checkups and cleanings<\/a> aren\u2019t optional; they are essential. Each visit allows your dentist to remove plaque build-up and clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, all while checking for cavities, screening for oral cancer, and checking the condition of any existing restorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your teeth ensure you can smile confidently and chew pain-free, so make sure to care for them properly! If you want to get a refresher on proper technique or you are overdue for your six-month visit, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Obsessed with excellence, our team at Westgate Dental Care<\/a> is here to provide you with the world-class dental care you deserve. While that extends to everything from essential restorative treatments and smile-enhancing cosmetic dentistry, it starts with preventive care. We\u2019re proud to provide you with meticulous checkups and thorough cleanings to create a healthy foundation for your smile. If you want to learn more about proper oral hygiene or you\u2019d like to schedule an appointment, don\u2019t hesitate to visit our website<\/a> or call (847) 577-7171<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When it comes to oral care, all you have to do is brush twice a day and floss daily, right? Actually, there is a lot more to it! In fact, even if you\u2019re an avid brusher, you may be making a few errors that are compromising the condition of your teeth and gums. With this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14165","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nTeeth-Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid| Westgate Dental Care<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When it comes to taking care of your smile, there is some room for error. 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