For most people, maintaining good oral hygiene is an important part of their overall health, but you could make dental hygiene mistakes and not even know it. You may be surprised to learn bad oral hygiene has been linked to medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease, so it’s extremely important to practice good hygiene habits. The staff at Oral Surgery Associates in Anchorage, Alaska, explains the most common mistakes people make when it comes to their oral health.

Here are three frequent dental hygiene mistakes to avoid:

• Bad Brushing Habits: Brushing your teeth properly will help prevent dental problems from arising in the future. However, many people don’t know how to brush their teeth correctly, nor do they do it as often as they should. The Anchorage oral surgeons recommend brushing at least twice a day for about two minutes per session. Individuals older than two years old should use toothpaste with fluoride in it, and you should also use a soft-bristle brush. Clean every surface of each tooth and then gently brush your tongue, too.
• Skipping The Floss: Like brushing, flossing is another key element to ensuring your mouth is clean and free of bacteria. It also helps prevent cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. You should floss daily; if you have braces or a permanent retainer, use a floss threader to clean beneath your wires. 

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is another common dental hygiene mistake. While you might not know it, being dehydrated affects the overall health of your mouth and teeth, and without enough water, you may experience bad breath, dry mouth, and increase your risk for tooth decay. The oral surgeons say drinking water is especially important after eating, because it will help to flush food particles from your mouth.
• See A Dentist Every Six Months: Only a professional can remove tartar buildup, so even if you practice excellent oral hygiene habits at home, you should still see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning appointment. If you need sedation dentistry to ease your anxiety, consider seeing an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons also perform advanced dentistry procedures, such as removing wisdom teeth and installing dental implants.

For more tips on how to improve your oral hygiene, consult Oral Surgery Associates by calling (907) 561-1430. To learn more about their Anchorage oral surgeon practice and the procedures they offer, visit their website.