Are You Brushing The Right Way? Dental Hygiene Myths Debunked in Tacoma

Brushing your teeth is something you do every day—but are you brushing right? Many dental hygiene myths can lead to tooth decayThis link leads to Blog page, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Let’s set the record straight so you can maintain a healthy smileThis link leads to Comprehensive Dentistry page for life.

Visiting the dentist regularly is key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Good dental care helps prevent cavities and gum diseaseThis link leads to Gum Disease Graphic page, leading to a stronger smile and better overall health.

At Giesy Family & Implant DentistryThis link leads to Home page in Tacoma, WA, we want to give you the right information to keep your smile in top shape.

Today, we’re busting common dental myths so you can brush better and keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Key takeaways

• Brushing harder does not clean your teeth better.
• Mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing.
• You can still get cavities even if you avoid sugar.

Dr. Michael GiesyThis link leads to Doctor’s page and his teamThis link leads to About us page provide expert advice on proper oral care.

The right way to brush your teeth

Brushing your teeth the right way helps prevent cavities and gum disease. The American Dental Association (ADA)This link leads to the American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed.

To clean your teeth well, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush all areas of your teeth, including the chewing, outer, and inner surfaces. Pay extra attention to your gum line and front teeth, as these areas collect the most plaque and bacteria.

How to brush correctly:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid harming your teeth and gums.
• Brush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque.
• Brush for at least two minutes to clean all areas.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn out.
• If you are using an electric brush, change the brush head every three months.

Dr. Michael GiesyThis link leads to Doctor’s page is a top-rated dentist in Tacoma, WA, and was named a “Top Dentist” by Seattle Magazine for Pierce County. He stresses the importance of brushing correctly to prevent cavities and gum disease.This link leads to Blog page

At Giesy Family & Implant DentistryThis link leads to Home page, our skilled team will guide you on the best way to brush. When you brush regularly and properly, you protect your teeth and gums.

If you have questions about your brushing habits, our team is here to help! Regular checkups and proper brushing can keep your smile healthy for years.

Myth #1: Brushing harder cleans your teeth better

Many people think scrubbing or brushing their teeth harder will remove more plaque. This is not true. Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel, expose tooth roots, and hurt your gums.

The right way to brush:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Brush in gentle, circular motions if using a manual brush. If you use an electric toothbrush, simply guide the brush along the teeth without applying extra pressure.
• Spend at least two minutes brushing.

If you’re unsure if you brush too hard, Dr. Michael GiesyThis link leads to Doctor’s page can check for signs of enamel damage at your next visit.

Myth #2: Mouthwash replaces brushing and flossing

Mouthwash can freshen your breath and is a great addition to your routine, but it does not remove plaque or food particles. Only brushing and flossing can do that.

For the best oral care routine:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to clean between your teeth.
• Use mouthwash as an extra step, not a replacement.

Want expert advice on keeping your mouth fresh? Dr. Michael GiesyThis link leads to Doctor’s page and his teamThis link leads to About us page in Tacoma, WA, can recommend the best dental products for you.

Myth #3: No sugar = no cavities

Sugar can cause cavities, but it’s not the only reason they form. Cavities happen when bacteria in your mouth turn food into acid. This acid wears away enamel, leading to tooth decayThis link leads to Blog page. Even bread, pasta, and sugar-free drinks can cause cavities if they stick to your teeth. Too much acid also increases sensitivity and the risk of cavities.

Eating a balanced diet, avoiding acidic drinks and foods, and rinsing your mouth with water after drinking and eating can also prevent unnecessary enamel wear.

How to prevent cavities:

• Brush and floss daily to remove bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water to rinse food particles away.
• Visit Dr. Michael GiesyThis link leads to Doctor’s page for regular checkups and cleanings.

Myth #4: You only need to see the dentist if you have pain

Many patients assume they only need a dentist when experiencing tooth pain or visible decay. Waiting until you have pain can be risky.

Many dental problems—like gum diseaseThis link leads to Blog page and cavities—start without symptoms. Regular dental checkups allow us to detect early signs of gum disease, exposed tooth roots, and even oral cancer.

At Giesy Family & Implant Dentistry, we recommend visiting Dr. Michael GiesyThis link leads to Doctor’s page twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam.

Myth #5: Bad breath means poor oral hygiene

While bad breath can result from poor oral hygiene, it’s not always the case. Dry mouth, digestive issues, post-nasal drip, and certain foods can all contribute to halitosis.

Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles, so staying hydrated is essential.

We encourage patients to maintain regular dental visits to help identify the root cause of bad breath and provide effective treatment plans to keep their mouths fresh.

How to find Giesy Family & Implant Dentistry in Tacoma, WA

Our office is easy to find in Tacoma, WA, so you can get the dental care you need.

Driving Times from Nearby Areas:

• Lakewood, WA – 15 minutes
• Federal Way, WA– 20 minutes
• Puyallup, WA – 25 minutes
• Gig Harbor, WA – 30 minutes
• Olympia, WA – 40 minutes

No matter where you’re coming from, Dr. Michael GiesyThis link leads to Doctor’s page and his teamThis link leads to About us page are ready to help you achieve a healthier smile.

Ready to improve your oral health?

Now that we’ve busted these dental myths, it’s time to take action!

At Giesy Family & Implant DentistryThis link leads to Home page in Tacoma, WA, we’re here to help you get the best care for your teeth and gums.

Contact Giesy Family & Implant Dentistry to keep your smile healthy for life.

A healthy smile starts with good habits—let’s make sure yours are on track!

Or:

• Call us at 253-752-6630
• Email us at teresa@giesydental.com

Come visit us for your consultation at our Tacoma officeThis link opens a new tab to Google Maps. Besides the city, we’re also near those in the surrounding regions of University Place, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Parkland, Edgewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Sumner, and Spanaway.