When you’re consumed by daily responsibilities and obligations, it’s easy to let self-care slip through the cracks. However, it’s crucial to prioritize dental care. All too often, patients make common mistakes and are forced to deal with painful and—sometimes costly—consequences. Here’s what you need to know. 

A Guide to Common Dental Mistakes 

1. Avoiding Flossing Due to Sensitive Gums

If you’ve ever flossed and immediately noticed the metallic taste of blood, you might think that this dental care practice isn’t worthwhile. However, bleeding when flossing is actually a sign that you’re not doing this habit enough. If you keep at it every night, the bleeding will stop, and your gums will be less prone to gingivitis. 

2. Going to Bed Without Brushing

At the end of a long day, you might not feel like doing anything except climbing into bed. However, no matter how exhausted you feel, you’ll thank yourself later for spending an extra two minutes in front of the mirror. Debris from food and residue from beverages accumulates on your teeth throughout the day. Once you get into bed and fall asleep, your mouth produces the least amount of saliva, allowing that bacteria to fester. Thus, brushing before going to sleep is more important than doing so when you wake up.

3. Skipping Your Checkups

If the snowball effects of decay have started in your mouth four months after a checkup, your dentist can catch and treat the deterioration at your upcoming visit two months down the line—even if you don’t notice any symptoms. Skipping your visit will allow that decay to progress for another eight months, or longer, which could mean the difference between a cavity and a root canal or extraction.

If you’re looking for a professional opinion on your dental care regimen, turn to Four Corners Dental Group. They have locations in Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, so you can head to the office that’s most convenient for you. From general services like cleanings and fillings to cosmetic solutions, such as veneers, they offer a wide range of treatments to keep your smile clean and healthy. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website. Make an appointment in Wasilla by calling (907) 376-2790, or get in touch with the Anchorage office at (907) 258-3384.