Brushing Too Hard Can Be More Than Painful: It Can Be Dangerous
Most people wonder if they’re brushing enough but a few out there wonder if there may be too much oral health care. At California Dental Group, we don’t see a problem with you cleaning or caring for your teeth too much. The biggest issue we see with overzealous tooth brushers is brushing too hard. Known as overbrushing, brushing too hard can leave your teeth exposed to some risks. Read on to learn more and then call us at (800) 407-0161 for your teeth cleaning and exam.
Overbrushing can harm your enamel
The right way to brush doesn’t involve putting a ton of pressure on your teeth. If you use too much force, or if you use a toothbrush with hard bristles, then you could get what’s known as toothbrush abrasion. This can eventually wear down the enamel of your teeth. Remember that enamel is a layer of protection that keeps your teeth safer from tooth decay. Without, or if it’s been weakened, you run the risk of serious oral health problems.
Overbrushing can harm your gums
Your gums are made of soft tissue. Brushing your gums too hard can cause them to recede. In short, this means that the gum tissue gets worn down away from the roots of your teeth. The result is that there’s extra room between your teeth and above the gum line. These are known as pockets and they’re a dream for bacteria that wants to accumulate and bleed. These pockets can lead to gum disease and it’s very important that you prevent that at all costs.
Signs that you may be brushing too hard
If you’re brushing too hard, it’s likely that California Dental Group can tell and will let you know at your next dental appointment. However, there are some warning signs you can keep an eye out for at home too.
- Your enamel is wearing away
- Your gums seem to be receding
- You cavities below the gumline
- Your gums bleed when you brush
If you have any of these symptoms then we recommend you call us at (800) 407-0161 right away.
There is a right way to brush
Brushing regularly is extremely important but it’s also important that you’re brushing the right way. Start by brushing thoroughly but not aggressively. You want to do this both on the surface of your teeth (both front and back) as well as around your gum line. For most people, this should take about two to three minutes.
Choose a soft bristled toothbrush and when you’re brushing, angle it 45 percent to your gum line. Use short strokes in a scrubbing month for each tooth. This is better than just going back and forth across your teeth. Finally, remember not to use too much force. Ideally you’ll be able to feel the bristles against your gums but if there’s blood then you’re brushing too hard.
For questions about how to brush, or to make an appointment with a California dentist, reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 right away.
