At Katoomba Dental Centre, we educate our patients about their oral health so they can make good decisions for their dental care. This includes making healthy choices at home and understanding why your Katoomba dentist recommends specific treatments.
It’s also essential to avoid or drop bad oral hygiene habits to maintain your oral health long-term.
Let’s look at three bad habits to avoid.
Lacklustre Brushing and Flossing
Sometimes life gets busy, and we skimp on the brushing and flossing. In some cases, we might run the toothbrush across our teeth for a few seconds—ignoring the back of our teeth—or skip a brushing and flossing session altogether.
Your dentist in Katoomba recommends brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once. It would be best if you were brushing your teeth on all sides and flossing between each tooth—typically spending three minutes on your routine.
The habit of skimming or skipping your routine may lead to dental cavities, infections and even gingivitis.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking not only stains your teeth, but it is bad for your overall wellness and may increase your risks for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, and some studies have linked it to Alzheimer’s disease, heart attack and stroke.
If you are having trouble quitting, ask your dentist for some advice and talk to your physician about tools to help you stop.
Indulging in Sugary or Acidic Beverages
Many people falsely believe that fruit juice is not harmful to the teeth. It is a fruit, after all, why should it be an issue?
The reality is fruit juice contains natural sugars—even when it does not contain added sugar—that can lead to decay. Additionally, fruit juices are acidic and have been shown to erode tooth enamel. This can mean cavities in the future.
If you do indulge, add another brushing and flossing routine.
Are You Looking for Dental Care in Katoomba?
We would love to welcome you into our dental clinic. If you’re ready to arrange a dental exam, we encourage your call.
