Your Las Vegas dentist, Dr. Hadley, works with all kinds of patients. Some follow all the oral hygiene rules prescribed by the doctor and his team, while others are still working out the kinks on an effective hygiene plan. We’re here for all of our patients, but we’ve noticed there are some very common oral hygiene habits that you may not think much about. We all know about the importance of dental check-ups and daily brushing and flossing, but what are some of the “hidden” bad oral hygiene habits that you may be practicing – but aren’t even aware of it?
Bad Hygiene Surprises – Don’t Do These Four Things
Here are the top four bad hygiene surprises that you may be missing:
- Not caring for decayed or missing teeth is not only potentially unattractive, it also can affect how you eat or talk. One missing molar can disrupt the spacing of your teeth, causing them to misalign. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that the typical adult between 20 and 64 years old has three or more missing or decayed teeth. But you don’t have to live like this! Modern dentistry offers cosmetic options to correct these issues. Call your Las Vegas Dentist, Dr. Hadley, today to find out your options.
- Suffering from sensitive teeth. If a hot cup of coffee or a bowl of ice cream makes you cringe, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth. This issue could be indicative of a bigger problem, including broken teeth, or gum disease, so you shouldn’t ignore this problem. Healthy teeth have a thick layer of enamel protecting the sensitive root, nerves, and cells in the tooth. As you age, the outer covering of your teeth wears away, which may cause sensitivities. It’s important to check with your dentist so we can figure out the underlying problem. Fixing it could be as simple as switching to Sensodyne toothpaste – but how will you know if you don’t make an appointment?
- Do you grind your teeth? This may occur at night when you’re sleeping or during the day. Either way, grinding can wear down your teeth, which can cause problems later on. It might help if you wore a custom mouth guard at night. Some people can also benefit from stress reduction exercises. Cutting down on caffeine products may also help you “chill” a little. If you notice you’ve been grinding your teeth, set an appointment to discuss your options.
- When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? Many people that are great about flossing and brushing forget that they should switch to a new toothbrush every three months. Dr. Hadley always supplies you with a new toothbrush as part of the exam process. So, if you’re getting those twice-a-year checkups we know you’re covered for at least half the year. Take a moment and go look at your toothbrush. If the bristles are frayed and flattened, it’s time for a change.
Call your Las Vegas dentist, Smiles by Dr. Hadley, for these and other tips to improve the life of your teeth.