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Is Hard Brushing Damaging Your Teeth?

toothbrushing technique

Brushing your teeth is not supposed to be like scrubbing a dirty pan. A little elbow grease won’t do a better job. In fact, you might end up damaging your teeth and gums.

At Beckham Square Family Dental, we believe that gentle dentistry is about encouraging gentle brushing. Yes, thorough brushing is important in oral hygiene, but we have recommendations about using soft-bristle brushes and the practice of soft brushing to protect your teeth.

Two Words to Remember: Soft and Gentle

When shopping for toothbrushes, you typically have the choice among soft, hard, and medium bristles. Our straightforward advice is to always choose a soft toothbrush. It will be gentler on the gums and other soft tissues in your mouth.

Speaking of gentle, that’s what it takes to remove plaque. It’s about how long and thoroughly you brush, not how much pressure you use. Brush for at least two minutes and cover every area of the teeth and gums, and the key is gentle. Your teeth will feel clean, your gums will be healthier, and you’ll feel better.

Gently brushing with a soft toothbrush does two things: It preserves your enamel and protects the gums. Enamel can wear away from aggressive brushing, causing tooth sensitivity, yellowness, and rough edges on your teeth as the inner layers become exposed. Likewise, hard bristles can damage your gums and cause them to recede, exposing more of the tooth root and bone.

Compassionate Care from Your Hometown Oral Health Provider

Remember to gently brush away bacteria in a way that covers all the surfaces, cracks, and crannies of your teeth. Your local hygienist and dentist at Beckham Square Family Dental can help you with proper brushing techniques. They’ll also set you up with professional cleanings and preventive care to help you take the best care of your teeth. To schedule an appointment, contact us at our Cincinnati office today.

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A Brief Guide to Family Dental Care

Taking care of your teeth isn’t just important to your oral health — it’s critical to your health overall. Studies show that dental care has a direct impact on your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and ability to live longer. We always recommend you brush and floss at least twice per day. Brush for two minutes (it always helps to set a timer on your phone). Only use a soft toothbrush and be sure to replace it often (at least every 3 months). As soon as you see the bristles start to bend, replace the brush because it’s lost its effectiveness. It’s a good idea to buy a value pack so you have multiple replacements. Set a time every day to floss, whether morning or night, whichever works. If you have an office door at work that closes, floss after lunch or set a timer on your phone as a reminder. Many people even choose to floss in the shower so it becomes part of their routine. And don’t forget to see your dentist at least twice per a year. Dental cleanings help to clean plaque and tartar off your teeth that normal brushing and flossing won’t. We also look for signs of tooth decay and other dental issues, so we can nip minor problems in the bud before they grow on to be serious and expensive tooth issues.

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