ARE YOU BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO HARD?

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a vital part of keeping and maintaining clean and healthy teeth, but is there such a thing as brushing your teeth too hard?

Yes, it is possible to brush too hard and it can even lead to irreversible damage because if you brush your teeth too hard, then it is most likely that you are adding extra pressure on your teeth and gums.

3 signs you are brushing too hard:

1. The number one sign of brushing your teeth too hard is a receding gum line.

2. Your teeth have become more sensitive. When your gums recede and parts of your teeth are exposed that have been covered for a long time, your teeth are susceptible to sensitivity.

3. Your teeth are darker around your gums. The part of your tooth that is now exposed due to receding gums will appear darker than the rest of your tooth’s surface because of the underlying tooth root that is not protected by enamel.

3 ways you can prevent yourself from brushing too hard:

1. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Using medium to hard bristles will only assist to gum recession and cause even more damage.

2. Hold your toothbrush with just three fingers. A lighter grip will reduce the extra pressure on your toothbrush and have an overall benefit for your gums.

3. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush. When used correctly, electric toothbrushes are very effective way to prevent gum damage. The head of the toothbrush is meant to do all the work with your hand as a guide. Be careful of too much motion when using an electric toothbrush. The combination of the electric head and typical back and forth motions can wear gums away.

If you think your gums have receded or have gotten too sensitive, visit your dentist. And remember: you don’t need to press very hard with your toothbrush in order for a good teeth clean, rather it’s the motions you use that will ensure a good teeth cleaning.