Everyone wants that picture-perfect smile and optimal dental health. Yet, most people are still uninformed about how to take care of their dental health properly. Following are some common dental mistakes most people tend to make, which worsen their teeth and gums over time and may even cause dental issues such as cavities, decay, gum disease, etc.

• Skipping Regular Dental Checkups: Cost concerns, fear of dentists, or just a laissez-faire attitude towards oral health are all common reasons behind most people skipping their regular dental checkups. In fact, as many as 100 million Americans don’t visit their dentists yearly. Many of these people only visit after something goes wrong and has already caused irreversible damage. However, if you visit your dentist on a bi-yearly basis, they’ll be able to spot the early signs of such issues when they are much easier and cheaper to treat.
• Waiting Too Long To Get a New Toothbrush: When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? If you can’t remember, your toothbrush may have become a breeding ground for bacteria by now. Instead of cleaning your mouth, these cause decay and gum disease. Additionally, worn-out bristles are almost impossible to clean properly. According to the American Dental Association, most people only change their brush once or twice a year. If you’re one of these people, it is time to start getting a new brush every three months.
• Ignoring Warning Symptoms: Carrying on their fear of dentists, some people don’t visit them even when they should. Bad breath, dry mouth, bleeding gums, sores, lumps, and thrush (fungi infection in the mouth) are all major warning signs of underlying issues. Yet, most people dismiss these, thinking they’ll go away on their own. Not only do they not go away without treatment, but leaving these issues untreated can lead to other non-dental health issues. For instance, untreated gum disease can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and preterm childbirth. Don’t ignore these signs, and visit your dentist as soon as they appear.

If you live in Windsor, Greeley, Eaton, Ault, Fort Collins, or Pierce, please visit Severance Dental now.