Common Dental Mistakes That People Make

1. Choosing the first dentist that they come across.  Do your homework!  There is now a wealth of information on the internet so make sure you check out Google reviews of your chosen dentist or better yet, go by a personal recommendation from a friend or family member.
2. Not flossing frequently or worse, not at all.  By not flossing, you miss nearly 40% of tooth surfaces which can lead to decay and/or gum disease.
3. Not attending regular dental check ups.  Dentists can pick up on any issues early whereas leaving something until it really hurts can be the difference between needing a simple filling to needing a root canal treatment, or worse still, a tooth extracted!
4. Not using a fluoride toothpaste.  Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by strengthening the natural enamel of teeth making it more resistant to decay.  It also helps to reduce the amount of acid that the bacteria on your teeth produce and it’s this acid that is responsible for the development of cavities.
5. Delaying treatment because of anxiety.  Many people have a fear of dentists but please don’t let that get in the way of you coming to the dentist.  Avoiding appointments because of anxiety will only lead to worse dental problems down the line and can lead to more lengthy and painful procedures.
6. Avoiding treatment because of the cost.  Dental treatment can be pricey but by delaying treatment or avoiding it all together may lead to more expensive issues in the future.  Denplan is a great way of budgeting for your dental treatment on a monthly basis and we offer interest free finance options as well.
7. Smoking too soon after a tooth extraction. When you have a tooth removed, you develop a blood clot over the removal site to protect and heal the underlying bone.  People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing a dry socket as the chemicals cause the clot to breakdown and expose the bone which is very painful.  We advise all patients to wait at least 72 hours before smoking.
8. Brushing your teeth too hard.  Many people feel that they must “scrub” their teeth to ensure that they are clean but by brushing too hard, this will wear away the protective enamel layer, exposing the sensitive dentine underneath.
9. Having teeth whitened by a non dental professional.  If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is!  In the UK, it is illegal for anyone who isn’t a GDC registered dental professional to carry out teeth whitening.  This is to ensure patient safety with regard to bleaching products and whether the level of bleach they contain is safe.

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