Are You Overbrushing Your Pearly Whites?

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important preventive measures to keep your smile healthy on a daily basis. However, life can sometimes keep us busy and feeling rushed. If this happens, you can end up brushing your teeth too hard. While it might seem like a good way to remove debris and plaque, you might be causing more harm to your smile in the long run. Keep reading from your dentist in Love Field on why you should avoid overbrushing and how to clean your teeth properly!

What Happens If You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?

Brushing your teeth too hard can lead to toothbrush abrasion, which negatively affects your teeth and gums. Excessive scrubbing can gradually wear down your enamel, damaging your smile and making it more sensitive. Your gums can also begin to recede and cause additional oral problems including gum disease and an increased risk of cavities in the exposed roots. Without early prevention, this may require treatments like fillings, root canals, or tooth extraction if the damage is too severe.

The kind of toothbrush you use is also important, as those with medium or hard bristles can be too abrasive for your pearly whites. You might also consider any genetic predispositions to receding gums or grinding of your teeth that can increase your risks from overbrushing.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly

Practicing thorough and proper technique is more important than brushing hard to maintain a healthy smile. Here are several tips for keeping your teeth safe during your cleaning routine:

• Press the bristles of your toothbrush enough to feel them against your teeth and gums. As soon as you begin to squash them, you should consider this as overbrushing.
• Use soft-bristled toothbrushes to avoid wearing down your enamel, and be sure to replace them every two to three months (or sooner if it splays).
• Brush gently and slowly in short strokes, allowing the bristles to do the work. This is especially necessary when using a powered toothbrush, as you’ll only have to lightly glide the head over your teeth instead of applying any pressure.
• Place the head of your toothbrush at a 45-degree-angle to clean both your smile and underneath the gumline.

Practice these few tips the next time you brush your pearly whites. With enough practice and patience, you can be sure to preserve your oral health for years to come!

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry provides high-quality, modern, and comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. Our team is passionate about helping you achieve and maintain your best dental health while keeping safe and comfortable. Our professional dentists can offer a multitude of advanced treatments, including dental checkups and cleanings, and can walk you through the best practices for preserving your smile. If you’d like to know more about toothbrush abrasion and how to clean your teeth properly, feel free to visit our website or call 214-350-5333.