You know the drill: brush two times a day for two minutes each time and floss once a day. You have undoubtedly heard it enough times. We hope that you’ve successfully implemented oral hygiene into your daily schedule to keep your pearly whites clean and healthy. But how’s your technique? Utilizing proper brushing technique is just as important as the act of brushing itself. If you’re brushing too hard, you might be doing damage that could compromise your smile. Read on to discover the dangers of brushing too hard and what you can do to improve your technique.
The Negative Effects of Vigorous Brushing
You can throw off your dental health game by not using a fluoride-based toothpaste, not brushing long enough, and by brushing too long, too often, and/or too hard. Brushing with too much force or in a vigorous sawing motion will actually lead to the wearing down of your enamel. Enamel is the hard exterior of a tooth and is the hardest material the human body produces. But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean that it can’t be worn away by excessive or rough brushing. As your enamel wears away, you will become more susceptible to tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and tooth discoloration. Vigorous brushing can also cause your gums to recede which exposes the root of the tooth, further increasing your risk of tooth sensitivity and even toothaches and infection.
Proper Preventive Care
We know you’ve probably never heard this before, but brushing your teeth two times a day for two minutes each time and flossing once a day is the tried and true method for keeping your grin up and running. While brushing, apply light but deliberate pressure and focus on using a circular motion with the bristles of the brush pointing toward the gumline (where gum and teeth meet). We also recommend rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash or an alcohol-free antibacterial/antiplaque mouthwash as an added boost. Additionally, come visit us at Toothology Dental every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
We Can Offer Brushing Tips!
Next time you come in for a routine checkup, ask us to demonstrate proper brushing technique. One of our friendly team members will be happy to give you tips to improve your at-home oral hygiene. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.
