Brushing That’s Too “Something” For Good Oral Health

Posted December 19, 2018

You may think that there’s only brushing or a lack of brushing. If your child is brushing and is doing so twice a day as directed, then this is “good.” If your child isn’t brushing twice daily, then this is “bad.” While these statements are true, there’s more that goes into ensuring the brushing part of dental hygiene sessions is successful and beneficial, rather than damaging, problematic, or not very effective. What might your child be doing that’s too something for success? Let our Dallas, TX team explain some potential areas of deficiency or over-abundance that will help you both!

Brushing That’s Too Intense

We want you to remember that whether you’re the one brushing your teeth or your child is practicing dental hygiene, one the major culprits in smile care gone wrong is brushing that’s too intense. It shouldn’t be rushed, it shouldn’t be hard, it shouldn’t be vigorous. It should be gentle, paced, and should require around two minutes for an easy and light-handed experience. Remember that when a child (or adult) is overdoing it with the pressure, it’s damaging. It can upset gum tissue (which may cause recession). It may begin eroding dental tissue (which will thin enamel and cause weak teeth). Just take it easy!

Brushing That’s Happening Too Soon

This may come as a surprise. You might think that brushing immediately after eating (especially if you’re telling your child to brush after consuming candy, a soda, etc.) is best. Actually, you should have your son or daughter rinse with water and then wait about 30 minutes to an hour and then have your child brush. This ensures brushing at a time when your child’s mouth is neutral and teeth can be safely brushed!

Brushing That Includes A Too-Old Brush

We offer this quick reminder that is so important for everyone! While you may already have memorized that you always need to use bristles on a toothbrush that are soft to avoid “too hard” brushing, you need to know one more thing: You should not let your child use a brush that’s too old or it isn’t going to cleanse as effectively as it could (which can encourage oral health problems like cavities). Make sure that you’re changing out old brushes for new ones every three months to four months to keep dental hygiene as effective as it can be!

Gather Hygiene Help During Visits

Bring your kiddos in for dental visits, for sealants, for restorative care, for advice, and for anything else their young smiles need! 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.