Did you know that brushing your teeth too hard has dire consequences? Adult Dentistry Of Ballantyne sees the signs of overbrushing on a regular basis with many of our clients. It can be easy to accidentally apply too much pressure and unintentionally scrub too hard. Maintaining your regular dental checkups is the best way to stay proactive with your oral health. One of the key issues with overbrushing is damaging your enamel. Discover more below:
Toothbrush Abrasion
Abrasion, according to the Dental Health Foundation in Ireland, is the loss of tooth enamel and cementum (the covering on tooth roots) due to mechanical forces. Notching around the area where the tooth meets the root is an indication that you may be using an incorrect and possibly heavy-handed brushing technique. And if you combine forceful brushing with a hard-bristled brush and excessively abrasive toothpaste, you have the recipe for tooth abrasion over time. Other causes are opening bottles with your teeth, holding nails or pins in your mouth or biting your nails. Enamel abrasion can be caused by lip or tongue piercings.
Certain foods may exacerbate the effects of over brushing. Waiting at least half an hour before brushing after eating acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, can prevent you from scrubbing that acid across your teeth. Read more information, compliments of Colgate
You Only Have So Much Enamel…Protect It!
Our enamel is the protective, hard outer layer of our teeth. It keeps the vascular system within our teeth secure. It can become eroded with regular consumption of citrus fruits, acidic beverages and even bruxism or teeth grinding can all affect our enamel. Keep your smile satisfied and protect your enamel for a lifetime by ensuring you are not unnecessarily brushing too intensely. Learn more about the benefits of using an electric toothbrush below:
- Brushing too vigorously can eventually erode your gum tissue and tooth enamel, particularly if you’re using a hard toothbrush. Look for a soft head and apply gentle pressure and circular motions when you clean—sawing back and forth is too harsh.
- Using an electric toothbrush? You shouldn’t really be brushing at all. The device rotates the bristles for you, so all you have to do is slowly glide it along your teeth. Treating it like your normal brush adds unnecessary pressure that will increase your risk for gum and enamel damage. Discover more ways to protect your smile, compliments of Women’s Health Mag
Gum Recession and Sensitivity
One of the main concerns with overbrushing is how harmful it can be to your gums. A receding gum line is painful and can lead to root exposure and teeth sensitivity. Ensure that you are maintaining your regular dental visits with our friendly and professional team at Adult Dentistry Of Ballantyne. Discover the best ways to avoid brushing your teeth too hard below:
- Not sure if you’re brushing too hard? Take a look at your toothbrush. If you’ve been using it for three months or less, it should still appear relatively new. “If it looks beat up and flat, that’s a sign you’re brushing way too hard,” Romo says.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Choose one with the ADA seal and replace it every three months — or sooner if it frays.
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. That way, the bristles can reach and clean underneath your gumline, Romo says.
- Gently move the brush back and forth. Use short, tooth-wide strokes to clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth, the ADA recommends. (If you have a lot of gum recession, your dentist may recommend you try the roll technique instead, Romo says.) If you’re using an electric toothbrush, let it do all the work and just lightly glide it over your teeth instead of pushing it against them. To make sure you’re using a gentle grip, try holding your toothbrush in your non-dominant hand. Learn more about taking care of your smile, compliments of Everyday Health
Book Your Dental Visit With Adult Dentistry Of Ballantyne Today
We invite you to book your dental appointment and maximize your 2019 dental benefits. Our team is always checking the pockets along your gumline to monitor recession. If you have been experiencing any discomfort or sensitivity issues, we can help. Don’t hesitate to take a look at your toothbrush bristles to see if you notice the visual queues of overbrushing.
If you are unhappy with your smile for any reason, schedule a free, no obligation smile consultation with Dr. Robert Harrell at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne. Call 704-541-9888 or use the contact form on this page to set your appointment. Dr. Harrell will explain your cosmetic dentistry options and help you decide which best suits your needs.
