Just brushing your teeth isn’t enough. When it comes to brushing your teeth, it is important if you follow the proper technique. Brushing too hard— or using, the wrong toothbrush, to put in simple words can damage your teeth and gums, causing problems like enamel wear and receding gums. This can subsequently, in turn, lead to tooth sensitivity. Dentists say, people often tend to brush forcefully, thinking it’s the only way they can get their teeth clean and look whiter. However, that’s counterproductive. It not only causes recession of your gums but also wears away the white, glossy enamel on your teeth. As a result, they look yellow and darker.
What Happens If You Brush Too Hard?
Brushing your teeth aggressively can have two distressing consequences for your oral health:
Premature Wear and Tear
Tooth enamel is very hard. To put it in simple words, it is the hardest material in the human body. It can get worn away by overaggressive brushing. When you apply too much pressure, it may gradually wear away your enamel, which cannot fix itself once it suffers considerable damage. You may experience increased dental sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities.
Gum Recession
Brushing harshly can lead the gum tissue to shrink back. This not only affects the way your smile looks but if the recession progresses far enough, the roots of your teeth may get exposed. Tooth roots are much more sensitive to outside stimuli and hence tend to decompose than the top portion of teeth. This is because they have no enamel to guard them.
Proper Brushing Technique: Dentist Glendale
If your toothbrush bristles get frayed fast, or your gums are frequently sore after you brush, there is a possibility that you are applying too much pressure. Some tips to help you properly clean your teeth:
- Ensure you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and use short, tooth-wide strokes.
- Never smash bristles against your gums down.
- Try to hold your toothbrush in your non-dominant hand. This may help you to apply less pressure
- If you use an electric toothbrush, you do not need to press it hard
Signs to Look Out for If You’re Concerned about Overbrushing: Glendale
- Dentist
- Bleeding Gums
- Sensitive Teeth
- Toothbrush getting damaged
Ask your dentist to guide you with tips on how you can improve your oral hygiene routine at home. They will be happy to suggest you some pointers.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is believed to be the best practice when it comes to good oral habits. If you pursue this guidance and clean your teeth morning and night every day, then you can enjoy good dental health. However, some people overbrush their teeth out of mistaken belief.
Sticking with the proper habit can help you keep your teeth clean and keep your mouth healthy. This can keep you away from the symptoms of tooth sensitivity.
However, overdoing anything is not good. In order to prevent dental decay, it is important to clean plaque out of the mouth regularly. It is important that patients follow proper brushing and flossing practices. Evaluate your brushing practice and see if you can perk up your dental health. Give a call at Smile Makeover of LA, to book an appointment with Dr. Sahakyan, the best Glendale Dentist. Schedule an appointment— at 818-578-2334. We offer a wide range of dental services designed to meet the needs of every member of your family.