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Habits that Damage Teeth

Good oral hygiene habits lay the foundation for good, strong teeth and gums. It's important to remember that while white, pearly teeth are important, correct techniques while brushing are equally vital. After all, why do you brush your teeth- to prevent cavities, to eliminate bad breath, to ensure that your gums remain healthy and strong?

Brushing your teeth is a daily affair- that's why it's essential that you use the right toothpaste, the right brush and also brush correctly. If you miss out on any one of these, you can be sure that your oral health is going to suffer and your smile will falter.

New York aesthetic dentist Irwin Smigel, DDS emphasises how bad brushing habits and damage teeth. He gives pointers as to how to correct and fix things if damage has already been caused.

Smigel first talks about toothpastes and how to choose them. Given the plethora of toothpastes in the market, choosing the right one is often difficult. Toothpastes should be gentle on the teeth while doing their job. Unfortunately, most toothpaste have abrasive ingredients that tend to erode the enamel while removing the stains. That's why toothpastes, he says, should be effective yet gentle. They should contain fluoride as this helps prevent decay and inhibits the formation of cavities but should be sulfate-free. This is because sulfates are foaming agents that cause damage to the tissues inside the mouth. In fact, they can also cause canker sores.

Now that you know what kind of toothpastes to look for, you need to focus on the kind of toothbrush you use. Hard bristle brushes can hurt the gums and soft tissue, so it's essential to choose a soft or medium brush. Studies show that electric toothbrushes are good options and are more effective.

If you believe that the harder you brush, the cleaner your mouth is, then do think again. Dr. Smigel cautions against brushing hard as it can irritate your gums and erode tooth enamel. It can also increase the sensitivity to cold temperatures and certain substances.

Many people, in spite of brushing regularly, frequently complain of dental problems. This is because they don't brush correctly. Dr. Smigel notes that you need to correct your brushing method to avoid dental issues. He negates the back-and-forth sawing motion of brushing and instead advocates circular motion with gentle pressure. This is because the back and forth movement exposes the roots of the teeth and over time wears down the gums.

While gum recession can occur due to a number of reasons, it's often due to incorrect brushing.

Oral hygiene is very important and cannot be emphasized enough. By following Dr. Smigel's simple tips and guidelines, you can ensure good oral health. Your oral health is a kind of window to you general health, so it's actually more important than you think.

Practice good oral hygiene every day and keep illnesses at bay

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