What are the biggest mistakes people make with their oral health?
Probably the biggest mistake that people make with their oral health is just negligence. Many times people avoid going to the dentist just because nothing “hurts”. What they don’t understand is that by the time something does hurt, it’s usually a lot worse than if it had been discovered on a routine exam.
What should they do instead?
So instead of waiting until something hurts, the best thing you can do is maintain a normal recall with your dentist and get your teeth cleaned every two, three, or six months, depending on what your dentist determines is best for you.
Also, routine checkup X-rays enable dentists to diagnose problems in their very early stages. Another useful diagnostic device is called the VELscope. We use it to screen for oral cancer at hygiene appointments once a year. It enables you to see pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions with a special light wave frequency.
What is a good daily routine people should maintain for optimal oral health?
The best healthy daily routine to maintain optimal oral health is to brush and floss after every meal. At a minimum, you should do this twice a day, and when you do brush, you should brush your teeth for about two minutes. Most of the electric toothbrushes on the market have a two-minute timer so you don’t stop prematurely. It is also important to use the correct toothbrush. I recommend an extra-soft toothbrush to my patients. Using a hard toothbrush will damage your teeth and your gums, so it is definitely not recommended.
This original article first appeared in the FALL 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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