Most men and women brush their teeth (at least we hope so). However, there are many who brush incorrectly but don’t realize that their dental hygiene practices may be contributing to oral problems. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we want to instill great oral healthcare habits in all our patients.
They may pride themselves on their daily dental hygiene, but frequency does not make up for an incorrect approach. One of the most common errors—especially for adolescents—is speedy, aggressive teeth cleaning with a hard bristle toothbrush.
There is a certain logic to this technique; when you want to clean smooth surfaces like bathroom tiles, you scrub with a hard brush, right? The trouble is that teeth and soft tissue have different characteristics. While enamel is strong, the soft tissues in the mouth are not designed for intense scouring.
If you use hard bristles against possible cavity makers, froth at the mouth, speed through those 30 inches of the tooth surface, and spit everything out in less than a minute, this message is for you.
Effects of Quick, Hard Brushing:
- Decay from missed food particles
- Damage to teeth through abrasion
- Weakened enamel
- Tooth Sensitivity
- gum recession
- Damage to existing dental work
- Tartar build-up
The friendly dental hygienists at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park teach patients the proper way to brush their teeth. With a slow, deliberate two minutes twice daily, you can take control of your dental hygiene, improve your oral health, and lower the risk of future problems.
Smart Brushing Trumps Aggressive Brushing:
- Plaque is soft enough to scratch off with a fingernail, so brush accordingly with soft bristles
- Angling the toothbrush requires little effort with consistently cleaner results
- Proper tooth brushing can prolong that wonderful professional-cleaning feel
- Flossing is easier without sore, bleeding gums
If you have already damaged your teeth or gums through aggressive or haphazard brushing, it’s critical to fix those dilemmas and get back on track. Call 616-784-2377 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Hull of Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.
