Teeth enamel has a reputation for being one of the hardest substances in our body, and our teeth are instrumental for eating and shining your killer smile. It is vital to care for it regularly and properly to avoid oral problems like tooth decay. But what we don’t realize is that our bushing habits, which we do to maintain our teeth, may be causing more harm than good. So, the team at Advanced Indiana is here to step in to make you aware that you could be brushing your teeth too hard.
Signs that the Way You Brush is Ruining Your Teeth
Brushing too hard, too often, has harmful side effects on your enamel and gums. But how do you know if you’re doing too hard? The first and easiest thing to do is to examine your toothbrush. It should still appear relatively new if you’ve been using it for three months or less. On the other hand, if it looks beat-up and flat, that’s a sign you’re brushing way too hard. Brushing your teeth twice daily is essential for removing plaque, protecting your teeth, and maintaining fresh breath. But brushing too hard can negatively affect your long-term oral health.
Harmful Effects of Brushing your Teeth too Hard
To improve your oral health, you have to know why it’s so important to take extra care with how you maintain your teeth. Here are the dangers of brushing too hard:
Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel is a resilient material. But with improper care, even the hardest substance in the human body can get worn away by overaggressive brushing. Brushing too hard over a long period can slowly wear your tooth enamel. Additionally, Harsh brushing right after a meal or drinking acidic beverages can cause enamel to weaken and erode.
Gum Recession
Receding gums occur when the gum tissue starts to pull back from your teeth. It affects the look of a smile, and if not addressed, the roots of your teeth start getting exposed. This problem is significant since the roots of your teeth are more sensitive and prone to decay, as enamel does not protect the roots. Gum recession may eventually result in tooth loss or sensitivity.
Sensitive Teeth
Over time, you may experience progressively worse tooth sensitivity from brushing too hard. Enamel wearing leads to the sensitive layer of tissues in the teeth called the dentin getting exposed and vulnerable. Eventually, eating or drinking hot and cold food or beverages can become painful.
Time to Practice Proper Brushing Techniques
A conscious effort to change your hard brushing habits will require some mindfulness. Follow these helpful brushing tips to avoid teeth and gum damage and maintain oral health.
Use the Right Toothbrush
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid hard-bristled ones. Soft bristles will effectively remove plaque without damaging your tooth enamel. Choose a toothbrush that the American Dental Association (ADA) approved and sealed. It has to be a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth well. Remember to replace your brush every three or four months or as soon as it frays.
Go Slow and Soft
To properly brush your teeth, position the head of the toothbrush with its bristles at a 45-degree angle to your gum line without applying too much pressure. Then gently go back and forth with short, tooth-wide strokes to clean your teeth’ outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Use an up-and-down motion while tilting your brush vertically to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth. Instead of vigorously brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush, let it do the work and gently glide it over your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
For more tailored advice, get a consultation from your local dental clinic. A visit every six months is ideal for maintaining oral health and preventing any possible effects from over-brushing. Consult an expert today!
Get the Best Dental Advice and Services from Advanced Indiana
At Advanced Indiana, we offer the best dental consultations, cleanings, and treatments for your long-term healthy teeth and gums. We want what’s best for your oral health to help keep your beautiful smile glowing.
Our team of skilled professionals takes pride in knowing that our dental services help our patients get the clean and healthy teeth and overall mouth hygiene they deserve. Become one of our many satisfied customers by contacting us. Let us take care of your dental health today!
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash