Can You Brush Too Often?

By Kendra L. Patterson, DMD | Dental Clinic

Jul 12

Can you really have too much of a good thing? When it comes to brushing your teeth, the answer is a definite “maybe.” The traditional recommendation is to try and brush after every meal, but times and lifestyles have changed. People on special diets or who have unusual eating habits may prefer to have several small meals a day instead of the typical three. If they brush their teeth after every one it may do more damage than good – it all depends.

The way you brush your teeth and the kind of toothbrush that you use is more of an issue than how many times a day you brush. First of all you need to select a brush with soft bristles and secondly, you have to learn to brush gently along the surface of your teeth using short back and forth strokes. This could contradict what you may have been taught but your dental hygienist can explain the importance of brushing properly. Next up – a lick and a promise won’t do it, you need to brush for a full two minutes at a time. And finally, replace the brush when the bristles begin to fray.

Which comes first, flossing or brushing? Points of view differ but the consensus of professional opinion is that if you do both you can’t go wrong.

Meet with Kendra L Patterson, DMD to discuss more ways to protect your oral health. Call today @ 303-722-9504 in Denver.

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