As parents, we would always wish to give our children the best. We educate them to clean their hands, chew their veggies and, of course, to brush their teeth in the morning and in the evening. Most parents think that the more they brush their child's teeth, the cleaner it will be. Logically, it appears to make sense--the increased pressure, the greater the quantity of plaque removed, right?

The condition known as over-brushing or toothbrush abrasion occurs when someone applies excessive force or has a toothbrush with too stiff bristles. Since the tooth enamel (hard outer layer) in children is far thinner than in adults, their teeth are more susceptible to wear and tear.

You are not only taking away food particles and bacteria when you scrub or hose down yourself or your child. You are gradually eating away the protective enamel and scratching the soft gum tissue. Learning that it is not about brushing hard, but brushing well, is the initial step towards a healthier mouth.

It may be difficult to know that a soft toothbrush can harm, but with time, the outcomes of hard brushing are rather obvious. The top three reasons aggressive brushing is damaging to the mouth of your child are:

The armour that safeguards the teeth against decay and sensitivity is the enamel. As soon as enamel is lost, it is irreplaceable. Excessive brushing might cause notches around the gum line. As the enamel wears away, it reveals the layer beneath it, dentin that is yellowish. This not only gives the teeth an appearance of being yellow but also enhances the chances of cavities.

Gums are very sensitive tissues which are designed to wrap the teeth. The extreme pressure may cause the gums to peel back around the teeth, a condition known as recession. This exposes the roots of the teeth, which do not have an enamel coating. Gum recession may cause teeth to appear longer and can cause pockets in which bacteria can be harboured, causing gum disease.

In case your child cries when he/she drinks cold water or when he/she eats hot food, there is a chance that it is over-brushing. Exposed dentin has small tunnels which lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. Temperature variations provoke pain and discomfort in the child when the protective layers are rubbed off.

• Splayed Bristles: Have a peep at your child's toothbrush. When the bristles are flattened, bent or in other directions in a few weeks of usage, then certainly they are putting undue pressure. The appearance of a toothbrush should be relatively clean in three months.
• Bleeding Gums: Although bleeding may be an indicator of gum disease, it is also an ordinary indicator that the gums are being traumatised by a heavy hand or hard bristles.
• ordinary indicator that the gums are being traumatised by a heavy hand or hard bristles. Swollen or Red Gums: In case the gums appear angry or inflamed, particularly after brushing, the procedure should be made softer.

In Smile O Care , we educate the children that brushing their teeth should be a massage for their mouth. This is the trick that we suggest to parents and children in Lucknow:

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Always choose a toothbrush labelled "Soft" or "Extra Soft." Hard or medium bristles are not suitable for the developing mouth of a child. The brush head should also be small enough to fit well into the very back corners of their mouth.

Hold the toothbrush at 45 degrees angle to the gum line. This assists the bristles in cleaning the minute crevices between the tooth and the gum where most of the plaque is collected.

Rather than cutting straight and straight, make small, smooth, circular movements. Much more effective in this method is the so-called circles technique, by which the plaque is vibrated loose without scratching the enamel or moving the gums away.

In case you are brushing your child, or they are sufficiently old to do it, use only two fingers and one thumb. This inherently restricts the strength that you can put into it compared to holding a tight fist grip on the brush.

A skilled dental staff will be able to lead you through these options and prescribe one that would work best with your objectives.

We have heard in such a busy city as Lucknow that routines are sometimes a battle. The trick to avoiding the hurry up and scrub habit is, however, making brushing a pleasant experience.

• The Two-Minute Rule: Have an interesting two-minute song or a colourful sand timer. This will make children brush longer and not harder.
• The Eggshell Test: To demonstrate to your child how much force it takes, you can test them and see how much of a brown-boiled egg they can brush without scratching the shell. It is an excellent visual means of educating with a light touch.
• Lead by Example: Brush your teeth with your child. Have them observe you making soft, round movements. Children adore to imitate their parents!

The dental health of a child needs an experienced hand and skill. At Smile O Care, our pediatric specialists are dedicated to more than just fixing cavities. We emphasised preventive education.

We sit with each child and parent and show the proper brushing tools and techniques. Our clinic is intended to be a no-fear zone, where children are at ease learning about their teeth. It can be deciding on the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste or making sure that your kid has no signs of enamel erosion. Our team in Lucknow is here to help your family at every step.

Oral hygiene is a marathon and not a sprint. The harder you brush your child, the less time you will have to finish the race; you will only hurt your child in the process. When you replace your toothbrush with a soft toothbrush and work in a gentle, circular manner, you are not only safeguarding the enamel of your child, but also making sure that he/she grows up with a healthy, pain-free smile.

The process of Orthodontics is not a process but rather a journey. It does not matter which type of braces you use, metal braces, ceramic braces or clear, the result is a healthy and well-aligned smile that lasts forever.

All treatment plans of Smile O’ Care are conscientious, accurate, and patient-friendly. When one has the necessary guiding hand and knowledge, it is easy to decide between metal, ceramic, and clear braces without any stress. It begins with the right smile and the support in the process.