What type of dental hygiene would you say that you practice in terms of the speed with which you brush and floss? Are you someone who is very methodical, setting up a timer, going detail by detail, and then gently cleansing your teeth and gums? Or, are you more of an I’m-almost-late, throw-paste-onto-the-brush, go-as-fast-as-possible and floss later type of person? If you fall into the category of the individual who rushes, our Columbia, TN team reminds you that you’ll most likely only end up with not-so-good consequences and little smile protection with this approach. Learn more (and slow down!) for a healthy smile.
#1: It Makes You Dislike Dental Care
We want patients to realize that when they treat dental hygiene like an afterthought that they have to quickly blow through in order to feel they’ve cared for their smiles, it can make smile protection a disliked “chore” instead of a wonderful means of protection. So, try to take time to stop rushing. Carve out time designated specifically for brushing and flossing. You can then look at smile care as an important part of your day, rather than as a thorn in your side.
#2: You’ll Miss A Spot (Or Several)
There’s no way around it. If you are rushing through brushing or flossing, you’re going to miss some plaque. While you may think that getting a “good amount” of plaque is better than nothing, you’re overlooking the fact that anything you leave behind can become tartar quite quickly. This dramatically increases the likelihood that you’ll find yourself with a cavity, gum disease, etc. Take it slow!
#3: It Can Hurt You
Think about the types of motions you make when you are rushing. Would you say that you’re graceful, delicate, and gentle when you’re going full speed ahead? Or, would you say that you tend to make much more aggressive, clunky motions because you’ve got your muscles (and your mind) firing on all cylinders? If we were to go ahead and take a guess, we would go with the second of the two potential options. Remember, it’s easy to accidentally become far too aggressive with your brushing (and flossing, too) if you’re rushed. This is why we suggest you always set aside enough time, slow down, take dental hygiene step by step, use something to time your brushing (two minutes each time please), and keep that smile safe. Need more help? Remind us during a visit!
Enjoy Well-Paced Dental Hygiene
Don’t rush through your dental hygiene or any other aspect of your smile care. Remember to speak with us about improving your approach and pacing yourself if you need tips for improving your brushing or flossing. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call Creekside Family Dental Care in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.
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