serving ballard since 1974

Is It Time To Reconsider Your Current Brushing Habits?

Is your current approach to brushing your teeth one that you should stick with, or is it time to make some improvements? Over time, the way you approach daily oral care can become increasingly important. Your teeth can begin losing layers of enamel due to erosion from biting and chewing, and you can find that preventing cavities becomes more difficult. At our Seattle, WA dental practice, we can talk to you about your oral health during a routine dental exam, and discuss the effectiveness of your current brushing habits. For patients who have recently undergone restorative dental work, and those who want to continue avoiding cavity treatment, changes to brushing can be key for avoiding problems in the future!

Poor Or Inconsistent Brushing Can Make You Vulnerable To Tooth Decay And Gingivitis

Oral bacteria and food particles can accumulate more rapidly than you realize, and make you vulnerable to problems like tooth decay and gingivitis. People who take too little time to brush, or those who are not reaching every area of their smile, can allow harmful agents to gather, and form plaque and tartar that threaten their oral health. Is your current brushing strategy going to keep you free of problems that might require dental fillings or dental crowns? You should try to meet the following standards each day:

  • Make sure you brush at least two times a day
  • When you brush, use circular motions and spend time cleaning every surface of every tooth
  • Take the time to clean hard-to-reach areas, and be thorough about cleaning at your gum line
  • Replace your toothbrush roughly every three months in order to continue seeing the best benefits from daily care

Be Careful About Aggressive Brushing!

People who want to do a better job brushing sometimes increase the force they use when cleaning their teeth. This can be a mistake – relatively light brushing is enough to remove plaque and food debris, and tartar will remain in place no matter how aggressive you are. Forceful brushing can actually lead to enamel erosion, and make you more vulnerable to future cavities!

The Role Routine Dental Checkups Play In Helping You Maintain Your Smile

Are you confident in your current oral care routine? Does your smile benefit from daily brushing and flossing, as well as a diet that is low in sugar? Your daily decisions matter when it comes to preserving your oral health. With that said, you should not treat a better routine as a substitute for regular dental exams! Through continued checkups, you can enjoy meaningful feedback about the condition of your teeth and gums, and receive early intervention if a problem has formed since your last appointment. You also enjoy opportunities to discuss your current daily routine, and receive helpful tips to make preventive care easier.

Ballard Neighborhood Dentist Can Offer Important Guidance On Smart Brushing

At Ballard Neighborhood Dentist, patients who want to keep their teeth in great shape can enjoy dedicated care during every appointment, as well as tips and advice to improve their daily care routine. To find out more, or to make your appointment, call our Seattle, WA dental office at 206-789-2555.

Cosmetic, Restorative, and General Dentistry

It is our goal to provide comprehensive dental care for your whole family. Our wide range of services means that you can see us for all of your needs — without having to visit multiple practices to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.