When you’re considering the details of your oral health and the measures you take to protect it, you may wonder if you’re doing everything right. Since it’s not an exact science but an approach that is certainly full of guidelines, patients often worry that they’re doing too much or too little of something. We would like to get started with some basic details that commonly cause confusion, so you can begin sorting out your best personal method toward protecting your smile with dental hygiene.
Questions and Answers
Question: I’m using a pea size amount of toothpaste to brush my teeth. Is this too little of an amount to actually get my smile clean?
Answer: This is just the right amount. You don’t need to use any more than this. Yes, advertisements might show a lot more (but they’re not real!).
Question: I’m pressing very hard when I brush and floss. I’ve heard that I might be applying too much pressure for my oral health. Is this true?
Answer: It’s true. When you press too hard when you brush or floss, you’re irritating your gums, you may damage your enamel, and problems like gum recession and sensitivity can occur. Not so much pressure! Only use a tiny bit.
Question: I brush after snacks and meals. Is this too much brushing to protect my oral health?
Answer: Generally speaking, no, this is not too much for your smile. As long as you’re very gentle and thorough, your efforts are worth it. However, as mentioned, forceful care will actually damage your smile instead of protect it (so be careful).
