Why Watch For Hard Brushing?

Posted October 26, 2017

Are you surprised when we mention to you that it’s very important to monitor your children’s brushing sessions in part to ensure they are not brushing too hard? Did you assume that a lot of pressure and force was a good thing? If so, we would love to explore this topic with you. Learning all about what makes gentle dental hygiene so important and effective can help your kids keep their smiles safe for life (and it may help you, too!).

Gentle Care Protects Enamel

First, think about your enamel and your child’s enamel. It’s very strong. It’s quite durable. However, cavities and other problems have the ability to form. This means that even though it’s tough stuff, it isn’t invincible. You’ll need to care for it thoroughly but gently. Otherwise, you run the risk of eroding this protective layer, which keeps everything inside of those teeth nice and safe. Healthy enamel makes for teeth that remain where they are, intact, beautiful, and functional for many years, if not a lifetime. Don’t wear them down with harsh dental hygiene (or harsh products).

Gentle Brushing Protects Gums

Now, visualize your gum tissue and your child’s gum tissue. It’s soft! It’s delicate. If you scrub it furiously with a toothbrush, it’s going to become irritated. As a natural response, it will shrink back over time, pulling away from teeth. This is something we call gum recession. It’s going to result in nerve exposure, teeth that appear too long, and is dangerous for your child’s oral health. Practice gentle brushing for dental hygiene that protects gum tissue, instead of damaging it.

Learn Best Practices For Kids’ Brushing

Have questions about brushing or other aspects of dental hygiene? We are happy to help you and your children maintain wonderful habits! Just ask! Schedule a visit with your Dallas, TX children’s dentist, Dr. Marr at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda by calling 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.