While a dentist and orthodontist can contribute to your oral hygiene, the condition of your teeth, tongue, and gums largely depends on what you do at home. Your smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem, which is why you should take proper care of it and practice good habits. Avoid the following mistakes to maintain luminous and healthy pearly whites.

What Are Some Bad Oral Hygiene Habits to Improve?

1. Brushing Once a Day 

While flossing once a day is usually adequate, dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. Orthodontists advise those with braces to brush after every meal because food particles are inclined to get stuck in the brackets and wires. Promptly dislodging them keeps bacteria from feeding on the sugars they leave behind and producing acid that causes decay. 

2. Skipping Appointments 

As long as your teeth and mouth feel fine, you may be tempted to skip dental exams and cleanings. However, since oral health issues, including gingivitis, tend to develop gradually, they rarely manifest symptoms until they've developed to a fairly advanced stage. As a result, how your teeth feel isn't necessarily indicative of their condition. Attending twice-annual appointments allows you to address minor problems before they turn into more serious concerns. 

If you have braces, always attend all orthodontic appointments. While you have them, you'll likely see the orthodontist more often than the dentist. Each visit allows your provider to make minor adjustments and correct misalignments, leaving you with a beautiful smile at the end of your treatment. They can also urge you to schedule a dental appointment if they notice a problem before your next checkup.

3. Flossing Improperly 

You need about 18 inches of dental floss to clean between your teeth correctly. Wrap most of the strand around each hand's middle finger, and then place the taut center—which should be 1 to 2 inches wide—between two teeth. Glide the filament down each tooth's side, curving it around the base to dislodge any plaque between the enamel and the gums. Switch to a clean section of floss, and repeat the process until you've cleaned all your teeth. If you have braces, use a threader to slip the floss under the wire with ease. 

If you're diligent about maintaining a healthy mouth but are unhappy with your smile because of overcrowding or misaligned teeth, turn to Lamont Jacobs Orthodontics in Fairfield, OH. This practice provides braces and Invisalign® for kids, teens, and adults. The office is led by Dr. Lamont B. Jacobs, who has been an orthodontist for more than 25 years. This team uses state-of-the-art equipment to fit patients with comfortable braces. Visit the website to learn more, and call (513) 829-7045 to make an appointment.