Aggressive Brushing Can Harm Your Teeth
Proper technique is essential when it comes to brushing your teeth. Brushing too hard can damage your teeth and gums, leading to many problems.
Many people brush their teeth very aggressively, thinking it is the only way that they can whiten and clean their teeth properly. Unfortunately, this is counterproductive, as you can wear away the enamel and cause damage to your gums. Ultimately, you may make your teeth look yellow and can suffer a host of dental problems.
Signs You Are Brushing Your Teeth
If you suspect that you might be over=brushing your teeth or brushing too hard, look for these telltale signs:
- Receding gums. Brushing your teeth too aggressively can damage the gum tissue, and it may eventually recede backward. This can make your teeth look longer, and your gums will also appear red and swollen.
- Bleeding gums. Despite what many people believe, the gums shouldn’t bleed when you brush. While bleeding gums could be a sign of gingivitis, they may also signal overly aggressive brushing. Consider brushing a little more gently if your gums are often bleeding, red, and swollen after you brush.
- Sensitive teeth. Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down the enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath. This may result in tooth sensitivity. Likewise, sensitivity may result from one of the previously mentioned signs of over-brushing – receding gums.
What is most important when you brush your teeth isn’t how hard you scrub, but that you use the right technique and brush all teeth thoroughly. A soft-bristled toothbrush could prevent you from brushing too hard and damaging your teeth.
If you are concerned about your brushing technique and whether or not you are properly caring for your teeth, we can help. Call us today to set up your next dental appointment.
