Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard?
We’ve all been told to brush our teeth twice a day to help maintain good oral health. But is it possible to brush your teeth too hard, too long, or too much? The short answer is yes. Over-brushing can cause gum recession, erode tooth enamel, increase sensitivity and cause excessive wear and tear on your teeth and gums.
It’s nearly as essential to choose the right tools for brushing your teeth as it is to use the proper technique. Select a toothbrush with soft bristles that fits comfortably in your mouth. Your brush is too large if you have to strain to open your mouth to move the meeting around. Only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste each time you brush. Too much toothpaste can be abrasive to the tooth enamel. Many patients believe if they use more toothpaste or brush harder, their teeth will be magically whiter or cleaner. The reverse can occur as studies have shown that the overuse of toothpaste and excessive brushing can lead to thinner enamel, causing the teeth to appear darker. An electric toothbrush is a great alternative that ensures proper circular rotation and may include an automatic timer to encourage you to brush for the recommended time. (source)
A gentle but thorough cleaning uses a 45-degree angle and small circular strokes over each tooth (inside and out), complete with gentle brushing of the chewing surfaces and the tongue for 2-3 minutes. If using a manual toothbrush, remember that strokes should never be horizontal. Do not scrub; brush! Regardless of what type of toothbrush you use, rinse it well and allow it to dry between uses. Replace your toothbrush or head every three to four months if you’ve had an illness. (source)
The Basics Of Brushing
Brushing and flossing are something we all learn at an early age. The customary way to brush your teeth takes less than 2 minutes, although some people spend much longer or much less. Most grown-ups pay for less than a minute, which isn’t enough time to clean their teeth. To get the right amount of time brushing, you should try using a stopwatch while you brush.
When brushing your teeth, you should avoid using pressure but use short, gentle strokes. You should concentrate on hard-to-reach places and ensure that you get the areas between your teeth as well. You should also ensure you get eating surfaces, along with your upper and lower gums. If you concentrate on all sections of your mouth, you’ll get everything when you brush.
Along with using the proper brushing methods, you will also want to use the best toothpaste. A variety of toothpaste is available, produced to help you with various situations. You can get toothpaste that prevents toothaches, stops sensitivity and prevents issues such as tartar and gingivitis. Toothpaste is the most reliable way to preserve your teeth. Therefore you should always ask your dentist what kind of toothpaste he suggests.
You’ll need a good toothbrush to get the most out of brushing. There are many models to pick from, making it extremely tough to choose one. When selecting your choice, you should watch for soft bristles brushes. Soft bristles are comfortable on your gums and will eliminate plaque and other debris from your teeth. A small head is also preferred, as it can easily reach hard-to-get areas, such as your back teeth.
You should also learn to replace your brush every couple of months or if it shows indications of wear. If you’ve had a cold, you should replace your toothbrush because the bristles can harbor germs that might get you sick all over again. Toothbrushes that show wear should always be replaced, as they can impact your gums. If the bristles start to wear down, they can tear away your gums, leading to sensitivity.
To get the most from your brushing, you should always use common sense and ask your dentist for his suggestions. Brushing your teeth will help keep them healthy and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. Remember that brushing maintains your teeth, although you still need to go to your dentist for routine checkups. If you take care of your teeth and brush them consistently, keep them free of diseases and cavities.
