Along with eating well and visiting your dentist every six months, cleaning your teeth properly is key to keeping your oral health in optimal condition. Brushing twice per day for two minutes gets rid of food particles, bacteria, and plaque that buildup throughout the day. Though you may think brushing your teeth hard is the best way to ensure that they’re clean, it can actually do more harm than good. Read on to learn how to tell if you’re brushing your teeth too hard as well as how overbrushing can impact your smile.
The Negative Impacts of Overbrushing
As previously mentioned, vigorously brushing your pearly whites isn’t the most effective way to clean them. In fact, doing this can lead to a range of oral health issues, including gum recession and premature enamel wear. Worn enamel can make your teeth appear discolored since the naturally yellow dentin starts to show through.
Additionally, gum recession can result in sensitive teeth and may make you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. If you don’t receive prompt treatment for these issues, you may end up needing root canal therapy or tooth extractions.
3 Signs That You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
Now that you understand how overbrushing can harm your smile, how can you know if you’re doing it? A few ways to know if you’re brushing your teeth too hard include:
- Receding gums –Your gums will look shorter than they once did or your teeth will look longer.
- Sensitive teeth –Your teeth may be more sensitive to cold or hot temperatures, foods, and beverages.
- Worn-down toothbrush – If the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn down or splayed in less than three months of starting to use it, you’re likely overbrushing.
The Correct Way to Brush Your Teeth
By using the proper brushing technique, you can avoid the above issues. The correct way to brush your teeth is:
- Step 1: Make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help prevent enamel damage. You should also use toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval that contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, when the bristles start to fray, or after you get over an illness.
- Step 2: Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Let the bristles clean under your gum line to lessen your risk of periodontal disease.
- Step 3: Move the toothbrush back and forth across your pearly whites. Use short, tooth-wide strokes. If you are using an electric toothbrush, it will do most of the work. All you have to do is guide it over your teeth.
Though overbrushing can harm your smile, it’s pretty easy to avoid. Be sure to use the above information to determine if you’re brushing your teeth too hard to you can make the necessary changes to get your oral health back on track!
About the Practice
Led by Drs. Eric Buck and Hannah Burton, Distinctive Smiles of Dublin takes patient care very seriously. They offer the residents of Dublin a range of oral health services to help them maintain gorgeous, healthy smiles. If you aren’t brushing correctly, they can teach you the right technique to keep your smile healthy and bright. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment with Distinctive Smiles of Dublin, visit their website or call (614) 792-1800 today.