In our years of providing dental care to patients of all ages, our Elmhurst dentists have found that many people share some common misconceptions about optimal dental care. That is why we have compiled this information to help you make the best decisions for your smile. Let’s get started!
The more you brush the better
Brushing your teeth cleans your smile, so it may seem like brushing more and more is always better. However, the truth is that you can actually brush too much, which leads to enamel deterioration and gum tissue damage. For most of us, brushing once in the morning and once before bed is going to be enough. If you think that you need to brush more frequently, talk to your dental team for guidance.
All toothbrushes are created equal
Another common misconception is that any toothbrush will do just as good a job as any other. In reality, you want to tailor your toothbrush choice to meet your smile’s needs. This means that the head of the brush should be properly sized so that it reaches to your back molars. Consider, also, the firmness of the bristles on your brush. Soft bristled brushes are the least likely to cause unnecessary enamel damage and gum tissue recession. Your dental team can let you know if you would benefit from a firmer bristle.
Flossing is outdated
Even if with all of the various toothpaste and mouth rinse formulations on the market today, floss is a critical part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. You need the floss to be thin enough that it can clear plaque from those tight spaces between teeth, even in the most crowded areas of your smile.
Ready to learn more about caring for your smile day to day? Our Elmhurst dentists are here to help you, so just give us a call schedule a consultation.