Brushing your teeth twice a day is very important to keep your teeth healthy and sparkling clean. Did you know that you can brush your teeth too hard? The pressure you place on those bristles can damage your gums, which cannot be reversed without surgery. Your toothbrush can cause abrasions which leads to “notching” along your gum line and gingival gum recession.
To much pressure brushing can wear down the enamel on your teeth and can push back your gums exposing the sensitive root area. Receding gums will lead to other dental problems. It can cause periodontal disease and cavities on the roots of your teeth which will need treatments such as filling, root canals and tooth extractions.
Tips from Dr. Lin
1. Use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles. While some people like to use toothbrushes with medium to hard bristles, they can actually damage your gums more and cause gum recession. I recommend using a toothbrushes with softer bristles.
2. Hold your toothbrush with three fingers. This reduces the pressure of the toothbrush on your gums. You don’t need to press very hard in order for your teeth to get clean. It’s the motions you use rather than the pressure that will clean your teeth. By allowing the tips of the bristles to do the work, your brushing will be more effective.
3. Use an electric toothbrush. When used correctly, electric toothbrushes are a great way to prevent gum damage because they allow
you to merely guide the toothbrush over your teeth. However, be careful not to use typical back and forth brushing motions with an electric toothbrush, as the motions combined with the power of the motor can wear gums away. Merely guide the brush and let it do the work! If you’d like to learn more, ask our hygienist at your next visit. We also have coupons for a brand we trust on your next Electric Toothbrush purchase.
In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding how to brush your teeth, don’t hesitate to call or ask questions during your next appointment.
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