Gentle Care: 3 Things You’re Getting Wrong

You might have some truly wonderful intentions when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth. However, your efforts may completely fall flat. So, what on earth are you doing wrong, you wonder, when you set out with the goal of doing a wonderful job? Fortunately, our Ankeny, IA team can help you sort through what you’re getting wrong in terms of gentle dental care, so you can quickly begin doing things right!

#1: You Thought Going Natural Was Best

You are welcome to use natural ingredients to cleanse your smile, of course. However, you may have assumed that “gentle” dental care was associated with saying goodbye to fluoride. Or, you may have assumed using straight baking soda would be the best way to gently but naturally remove plaque. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Fluoride is natural, it’s safe, it is not harsh, and it is very important if you want to maintain strong teeth and a healthy smile, so don’t skip it!
  • Baking soda and any other scrubby ingredient is actually going to be quite harsh on teeth and gums. It is gritty and abrasive, which means instead of offering the gentle care you need, it’s going to be too aggressive. Avoid such ingredients!

#2: You Stayed Away From Electric

Yes, we understand that if you are trying to be better about gentle dental care, you may have immediately assumed that the powerful cleansing offered by an electric toothbrush was going to be too much. The truth is, it’s not. Why? Well, because due to the strength and quickness of the strokes, you aren’t going to even be tempted to press the brush against your teeth and gums with much force. Instead, you will use the brush as intended, which is with a gentle pressure. The result is that you will practice very gentle dental hygiene without even having to try.

#3: You Figured That Briefer Is Better

You may have assumed that the less time you spend on your smile care, the easier it is to avoid irritating your gums or stripping your teeth of their enamel. However, even if it’s only for short spurts, quick care is usually going to be too aggressive. It will also fail to truly clean your teeth. Instead, simply stick to practicing gentle dental care with 2-minute brushing sessions, and then slow and steady flossing.

Enjoy Our Gentle Care Suggestions

When you recognize that you are not doing the best job you can do with your brushing, we suggest you learn more from our team. Come on in, so we may guide you toward improved, gentle smile care. Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.