To maintain excellent oral health, it’s essential to visit the dentist twice a year. During these visits, your dentist will give you feedback some good, some bad. To help you improve, we’ve compiled a list of 20 things your dentist wishes you’d stop doing. From avoiding certain foods to improving habits during dental visits, these tips will help ensure a healthy smile.
1. Chewing on Hard Objects
Chewing on non-edible objects like pens, pencils, or ice puts unnecessary stress on your teeth, damaging the enamel and risking fractures. Your enamel is strong but not designed to handle these items, so avoiding them will prevent costly repairs.
2. Lying About Your Oral Care
Dentists can tell if you’re not brushing and flossing regularly. Instead of pretending, be honest about your habits. This allows your dentist to offer helpful advice without feeling disrespected.
3. Ignoring Prescription Advice
Failing to complete a prescribed course of antibiotics or medication is dangerous. You risk leaving bacteria in your system. Always follow your dentist’s advice to the letter, even if you start feeling better.
4. Neglecting Your Tongue
Your tongue harbors a lot of bacteria. Cleaning it daily with a toothbrush or tongue scraper helps prevent bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.
5. Skipping Brushing Before Bed
Nighttime brushing is crucial because it removes the day’s buildup of food particles and plaque. Skipping it can lead to cavities and gum disease, as bacteria thrive while you sleep.
6. Missing Dental Check-Ups
Skipping your biannual dental check-ups means missing preventive care that could catch issues early. Regular visits save you from bigger, more painful, and more expensive treatments later.
7. Forgetting to Floss
Flossing cleans areas that brushing alone can’t reach, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference in your oral health.
8. Eating Too Many Sugary Snacks
Sugary and acidic foods increase the risk of tooth decay. Choose healthier snacks like nuts and vegetables, and always brush your teeth after consuming sugary treats.
9. Hiding Your Symptoms
Don’t hide dental pain or discomfort. Sharing your symptoms helps your dentist diagnose and treat problems early before they worsen.
10. Being Late to Appointments
Being late disrupts the schedule and can reduce the time your dentist has to focus on your care. Arriving a few minutes early shows respect and ensures thorough treatment.
11. Using At-Home Whitening Kits
DIY whitening kits can harm your enamel and gums. Professional treatments are safer and more effective. Trust your dentist to help you achieve a bright smile without risking damage.
12. Refusing X-Rays
Dental X-rays provide crucial insights into areas your dentist can’t see, such as inside your teeth or below the gums. They are safe and necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
13. Not Disclosing Your Medical History
Your overall health impacts your dental care. Conditions like high blood pressure or medications you take can affect your treatment. Being open about your health helps your dentist provide the best care possible.
14. Adding Lemon to Your Water
While refreshing, lemon water is highly acidic and erodes enamel, leading to cavities and tooth sensitivity. Stick to plain water to protect your teeth. If you must drink it, rinse immediately after drinking it.
15. Using Your Phone During Appointments
Talking or texting during a dental procedure is distracting and can be dangerous. Focus on the care you’re receiving and let your dentist work without interruptions.
16. Believing Sugar-Free Gum Replaces Brushing
While sugar-free gum can reduce acidity in your mouth, it’s no substitute for brushing and flossing. Use it as a supplement, not a replacement, for your dental routine.
17. Using a Manual Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes apply consistent pressure and often come with timers to ensure you brush for the full recommended two minutes. This makes them more effective than manual brushes.
18. Drinking Too Much Coffee
Coffee stains teeth and is highly acidic, wearing down enamel over time. Cutting back can help preserve your teeth’s color and strength.
19. Making Your Kids Nervous at the Dentist
If you project fear or anxiety onto your children during their dental visits, it makes the experience harder for them. Trust the dentist to handle their care calmly and confidently.
20. Experimenting with Unproven Products
Stick to dentist-recommended toothpaste instead of following fads like charcoal powder or oil pulling, which can harm your teeth. Tried-and-true methods are always the safest.
By avoiding these habits, you’ll improve your dental health and make your next visit a positive one. Remember, a great smile starts with small, consistent efforts.