Family Dentist in Grand Prairie: Smart Brushing vs. Aggressive Brushing

Most people brush their teeth, however, there are many who brush inadequately and don’t realize that their dental hygiene practices may be contributing to their oral problems.

Advice from a Family Dentist in Grand Prairie

They may pride themselves on their oral hygiene habits, but frequency does not make up for incorrect methods. One of the most common errors—especially for teenagers—is quick, 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 certain finesses. While enamel is durable, the soft tissues in the mouth are not designed for intense brushing. If you use hard bristles or speed through those 30 inches of 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

At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our family dentist in Grand Prairie can teach patients the proper way to brush teeth. With a slow, deliberate two minutes twice daily, you can take control of your dental hygiene, improve your oral health, and lessen the risk of future problems.

Smart Brushing is Better than 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 vital to fix those problems by visiting a professional family dentist in Grand Prairie. Call 817-678-5112 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stephen Ratcliff of Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.