Many people don’t realize it, but oral health is closely linked to the overall health of the body. When we make mistakes in cleaning our teeth and gums, we open the door to the development of harmful bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and affect various organs.
See 5 common oral hygiene mistakes that, if turned into a habit, can harm the health of the body as a whole.
Not flossing regularly
Image: Dental Arte/Reproduction
One of the most common mistakes in oral health is not getting into the habit of flossing daily. Many people think that brushing their teeth is enough, but the truth is that flossing is essential for complete hygiene. This is because the toothbrush cannot reach all the spaces between the teeth, where food debris and bacteria accumulate. Regular flossing removes this bacterial plaque and prevents the development of gingivitis and cavities.
When we don’t remove this plaque, it hardens and forms tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. In addition, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) can develop into periodontitis, a serious disease that destroys the bone that supports the teeth. Bacteria from periodontitis can enter the bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of the body, such as cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, premature births and even sexual impotence.
Therefore, it is essential to floss once a day, preferably before going to bed, to remove all the plaque that has accumulated during the day.
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Brushing your teeth too hard
Shutterstock Image/Photo Contributor Sergio Photone
Another common oral health mistake is brushing your teeth too hard, especially around your gums. Many people believe that the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be. However, this can cause serious problems.
Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel on your teeth, making them more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet and acidic foods. It can also cause your gums to recede (gingival recession), exposing the root of your tooth, which is more sensitive and prone to cavities.
Furthermore, using toothbrushes with hard bristles also contributes to enamel wear and gum recession. The ideal is to use a soft toothbrush and brush gently, using circular and delicate movements, especially in the gum area.
Not changing your toothbrush regularly
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Many people don’t realize that toothbrushes have a limited lifespan. After a certain amount of use, the bristles begin to fray and lose their effectiveness in removing plaque.
In general, it is recommended to change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, or as soon as the bristles begin to wear out. Using an old toothbrush is as ineffective as brushing too hard, as it does not adequately remove plaque.
Additionally, old toothbrushes accumulate bacteria, fungi and toothpaste residue, becoming a source of contamination in your mouth. Therefore, don’t skimp on changing your toothbrush regularly.
Consuming too many acidic and sugary foods and drinks
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Diet is also one of the most common oral health mistakes. Acidic foods and drinks, such as soda, citrus juices, vinegar and wine, can demineralize tooth enamel, making it weaker and more susceptible to cavities.
Sugary foods and drinks are the main fuel for cariogenic bacteria, which produce acids that attack enamel. Consuming these items in excess, especially between meals, greatly increases the risk of developing cavities.
Furthermore, alcohol causes dehydration, reducing salivary flow. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and remineralizing enamel, so its reduction increases oral acidity and tooth demineralization.
To minimize these effects, avoid consuming acidic and sugary foods and drinks frequently. If this is not possible, drink water after meals and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, so as not to remove weakened enamel.
Ignoring tongue health
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Many people focus only on their teeth and gums when it comes to oral hygiene, forgetting that the tongue also plays a crucial role in oral health. The tongue can accumulate bacteria, dead cells and food debris, forming a layer that can cause bad breath and contribute to oral health problems.
Ignoring tongue cleaning can lead to increased bacterial load in the mouth, which in turn can lead to infections and inflammation. Additionally, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect cardiovascular health.
To avoid these problems, it is important to include tongue cleaning in your oral hygiene routine. You can use a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to remove accumulated dirt. Do this daily, preferably after brushing your teeth.
In conclusion, making these 5 oral hygiene mistakes can have serious consequences for your overall health. They pave the way for the development of harmful bacteria that can enter your bloodstream and affect various organs, causing cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, premature births, impotence, and more.
To avoid these problems, it is essential to adopt good oral hygiene habits, such as flossing daily, brushing gently with a soft toothbrush, changing your toothbrush regularly, limiting the consumption of acidic and sugary foods and visiting the dentist every 6 months.
Taking care of your oral health is not just a matter of aesthetics, but of overall health. By adopting these healthy habits, you will not only have a beautiful smile, but you will also protect your body against various diseases. So, start taking better care of your mouth today!
