Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard?

For your whole life, you’ve been told you need to brush twice and floss at least once a day to achieve optimal oral hygiene. However, no one ever mentioned how hard was too hard when it came to brushing. According to the Wallstreet Journal, dentists estimate that approximately 10-20 percent of the population has damaged their teeth or gums from overbrushing. Read on to learn from your dentist in Medford about the dangers of brushing your teeth too hard as well as proper brushing techniques.

What Are Signs You’ve Been Brushing Too Hard?

Here are a few signs you may be using too much pressure when you brush your teeth:

• Gum Recession: If you have noticed a change in your gumline, it could mean you are brushing too vigorously.
• Teeth Sensitivity: If your teeth become more sensitive to cold and hot foods and drinks, this indicates you could be experiencing gum recession or enamel erosion from overbrushing.
• Discoloration Near the Gums: Beneath the gums, your teeth are a darker shade because the enamel isn’t present. Gum recession from overbrushing can lead to the appearance of discoloration.

How Do You Brush Properly?

When you’re brushing your teeth, it isn’t about how hard or fast you are scrubbing. Instead, you should focus on being thorough for a long enough period. Here are some tips to prevent overbrushing while keeping your teeth and gums healthy:

• Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent yourself from damaging the enamel or gum tissue holding the teeth in place.
• Place the head of your toothbrush with the bristles pointing at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
• Move the toothbrush with short strokes and a scrubbing motion. Don’t saw back and forth across your teeth.
• Only use enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums.
• You should be brushing for 2-3 minutes, so there is no need to go fast. Spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth to ensure you’re being thorough.
• Use an electric toothbrush. This is a great way to prevent gum damage because all you need to do is guide it over your teeth.
• See your dentist in Medford for professional cleanings. They can remove any plaque you have missed.

Brushing improperly can be as harmful as not brushing at all! By using the proper technique, you can prevent oral health issues without causing damage to your smile.

About the Practice

At Island Daily Dental Care, we are open seven days a week to provide you with an array of treatments. We want to help you maximize your dental insurance, but we also offer affordable financing, and we have an in-house annual plan. Plus, we have special offers for you to save even more! We can determine if you’ve been brushing your teeth too hard during a dental cleaning and exam, which you can schedule on our website or by calling (631) 286-9000.