Here are the six most common mistakes people make when looking after their teeth:

Skipping some teeth or parts of them while brushing: This is a mistake that most of us are in the habit of making. If you skip brushing a tooth or parts of teeth, you will make bacteria flourish in the parts that remain unclean. And you know the dangers of that.

Not rinsing your mouth every time you eat or drink anything: Rinsing your mouth with plain water, better with a good mouthwash helps keep your mouth clean and moist. This also keeps your mouth hydrated, protecting you from gum diseases.

Rubbing the tongue vigorously with the brush: It is important that you apply gentle moves to clean your tongue else you run the risk of scratching it, inviting bacteria to reside on the scratched surface.

Not flossing everyday: Most of us find excuses for not flossing. We find it too troublesome. However, for healthy teeth, it is important that you floss once everyday. You may fix a flossing time everyday, even if it is in the latter half of the day.

Using a tattered toothbrush: Invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush when you see your toothbrush wearing out. In fact, start changing your toothbrush every three months for better dental care. An old or tattered toothbrush is not only incapable of cleaning your teeth properly but it also tends to collect germs over a period of time.

Not brushing the teeth before going to bed: This is also a mistake most of us make. The bacteria in the residual food inside your mouth play up while you are sleeping. Make sure you do not have any food residue in your mouth when you go to sleep.

Tags: bad dental habits, dental care mistakes