From a young age, most of us were taught to brush our teeth. Dentists, in fact, recommend brushing twice each day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. Plenty of people follow this daily routine safely, but some run into trouble because they brush with too much force, the wrong toothpaste, or improper tools. So, let’s talk about brushing the right way for your long term oral health.
The Benefits of Brushing Daily
Brushing daily removes food particles, freshens your mouth, clears away plaque, protects your gums from bacterial infection, and lowers the risk of cavities and bad breath. A good brushing routine also supports your long-term dental health. Clean teeth and healthy gums reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity, gum swelling and bleeding, and gum disease. A few minutes in front of the sink each day pays off in a big way!
The Right Way to Brush
Good brushing depends more on technique than force. A soft-bristled toothbrush is the only type recommended by the American Dental Association. Hold the brush at a slight angle toward the gumline and use small, gentle motions, not hard back-and-forth scrubbing. Brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth, and give your tongue a quick cleaning too.
With a manual toothbrush, light pressure is enough. You’re massaging the teeth, not scrubbing them. With an electric toothbrush, let the brush do the work. Guide it slowly from tooth to tooth and avoid pressing down to generate more force on the enamel and into the cracks between teeth. Many electric brushes include pressure sensors, which help train your hand to ease up.
As for toothpaste, most products contain some small amount of abrasive material to help scrub stains from your teeth. Certain formulas contain more abrasive ingredients than others. Tooth whitening toothpastes commonly fall into the category of “more abrasive” toothpastes. Therefore, if you want whiter teeth, it’s better to talk to your Yuba City dentist about specific in-office treatments that whiten your teeth safely.
Finally, it is not necessary to brush more than twice a day, usually morning and night. It is perfectly acceptable to brush your teeth after lunch in the midday, but brushing multiple times per day is not recommended. If you find yourself compelled to brush your teeth after every snack or drink, try rinsing your mouth with plain water instead. You may also need to limit your eating to three times a day and your drinking between meals to nothing more than water.
Are You Brushing Too Hard?
So, how do you know if you are brushing too hard? First, look at your toothbrush. Does your toothbrush look worn out after a few weeks? Frayed bristles often point to too much pressure being used while you brush. Your mouth also gives you a few warning signs that you are brushing too hard. Common signs of excessive brushing include:
- Gums that look worn down, irritated, or pulled back
- Tooth sensitivity near the gumline
- Small notches at the base of the teeth
- Soreness after brushing
- Frequent gum irritation or bleeding
- Enamel wear
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to seek advice from our Yuba City dental professionals.
The Results of Brushing Too Hard
Brushing too hard eventually wears away tooth enamel and irritates the gums. Once your protective tooth enamel thins out, teeth become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods. In addition, gum tissue becomes irritated and red, causing gum recession, which exposes the roots of teeth and increases the risk of extreme discomfort and tooth decay.
So, while some believe that strong brushing leads to better cleaning, the truth is actually the opposite. Gentle brushing is always better! Excessive force when brushing results in damage to your teeth and gums.
Reversing The Damage
If you are suffering from the results of hard brushing, the good news is you can do something about it. The first step starts with changing your technique. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush, ease up on pressure, and use short, gentle motions. If you use an electric toothbrush, choose a model with a pressure alert. Next, only use toothpastes without any abrasives.
Toothpaste made for sensitivity is also recommended to offer relief from painful teeth. Fluoride treatments and tooth bonding may also help when enamel wear or exposed root surfaces cause pain. If gum recession has already developed, there are treatments that help reduce it. Our Yuba City dentist is happy to recommend the best next step based on how much tissue loss has taken place.
A True Partner in Oral Health
Don’t allow your toothbrush to damage your smile! If your teeth feel sensitive, your gums look lower than before, or brushing leaves your mouth sore, seek experienced and compassionate care at the Yuba City Dental Group. If your enamel is damaged to the point that you have a constant toothache, contact us immediately. Our full-service dental team offers comprehensive care, including preventive, restorative, and emergency services, and we love to help you protect your smile with comfort and confidence!
