You may be taking great care of your oral health—or so you think. You brush every day, you floss your teeth, you get your teeth cleaned regularly, so you’ve got it made. But what if your oral hygiene practices were actually harmful? At Anderson and Atkins Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to know how to take care of your mouth correctly, which includes avoiding common mistakes. Below are the top five mistakes most people make when it comes to dental hygiene.

Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated holidays. Not only do you get to spend time with friends and family, but you get to eat delicious foods that only come around once a year. Before you dig into your favorite dishes, it’s important to know how these foods affect your teeth. Make sure your teeth are just as grateful as your stomach by the end of your Thanksgiving dinner.

You use your toothbrush twice a day every day, but do you give it much thought? Do you browse the toothbrush aisle in the same way you browse for a new pair of shoes? Probably not. In most cases, we grab a toothbrush, use it every day, but don’t consider whether or not it’s effectively cleaning our teeth.

Believe it or not, there is a right way to brush your teeth! You have been brushing your teeth twice a day for most of your life and you may be doing it wrong. Brushing your teeth the correct way keeps your gums healthier and your mouth cleaner. Today is a new day, so learn the best way to brush your teeth and put it into practice. You’ll be glad you did!

When it comes to your kids, there’s little more important than starting to take care of their health early. Early dental checkups are important as they help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain, trouble concentrating, and other medical issues. The sooner children begin getting regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will remain throughout their lives.