Most men and women brush their teeth (at least we hope so). However, at The Fort Collins Dentist, we know there are many who brush inadequately but don’t realize that their dental hygiene practices may be contributing to oral problems.
They may pride themselves on their diligence, but frequency does not make up for an incorrect approach. One of the most common errors—especially for teens—is speedy, aggressive teeth cleaning with a hard bristle toothbrush.
There is a certain logic to this method; when you want to clean smooth surfaces like bathroom tiles, you scrub with a hard brush, right? The catch is that teeth and gums require a certain finesse. While enamel is secure, 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 article is for you.
Effects of Quick, Hard Brushing:
- Tooth decay caused by bits of food left between teeth
- Damage to teeth through abrasion
- Weakened enamel
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Gums receding or pulling away from teeth
- Damage to existing dental work
- Tartar build-up
The friendly dental hygienists at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Fort Collins 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 cut down 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
- Holding the toothbrush at the correct angle achieves a thorough cleaning
- 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 important to fix those issues and get back on track. Call to schedule an appointment with The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry.
Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:
970-221-5115
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526
