How to Know If You May Be Over-Brushing Your Teeth?

Brushing your teeth regularly is essential for good oral hygiene, but doing too much can be harmful. A dentist in Thornton CO recommends brushing your teeth twice a day after breakfast and before bed. It removes food particles and bacteria from our teeth, which can cause decay, infection, sensitive teeth, and receding gums. Read below the signs of overbrushing your teeth and how to do it correctly.

Tips to Brush Your Teeth

Contact our dentist if you want some practical tips from a dentist on how to brush your teeth properly. You can start using them today!

1) Use the Right Toothbrush

Choosing a toothbrush should be a “Goldilocks” experience. You do not want a handle that is too long or too short, a head that is too big or too small, or bristles that are too hard or too soft. Always look for the “perfect” toothbrush. It will help you prevent damage to the gums and teeth.

2) Replace Old Toothbrushes

A good toothbrush will not last long. Make sure you discard it after just a few months of use. Keep an eye out for signs of fraying bristles. If the bristles of your toothbrush are frayed and no longer stand straight, it’s time to replace it.

3) Use the Correct Technique

Brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush. To begin, dab a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your finger. Instead of brushing across your teeth, use small circular motions. Brush your teeth at a 45° angle with your toothbrush.

4) Be Gentle with Your Toothbrush

Brushing vigorously can damage your teeth and gums. So, be gentle.

5) Don’t Begin Brushing in the Same Place

Try to begin brushing your teeth in a different area of your mouth each time. Because the region you brush first tends to receive more attention than the area you end. Therefore, choosing a random starting point can help ensure that all of your teeth receive equal attention.

6) Floss Before or After Brushing

A toothbrush bristles cannot reach between your teeth, where food, bacteria, and tartar are found frequently. It makes no difference whether you floss before or after brushing your teeth as long as you floss daily.

Signs You Are Brushing Too Hard

Many individuals believe vigorous brushing removes more plaque and food debris. However, this common blunder can result in tooth damage and sensitivity. Without following proper brushing techniques, you are more prone to tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease due to harmful oral bacteria that eat away at enamel and gingival tissue. Let us discover the symptoms of brushing too hard:

• Receding Gums

Gum recession is a periodontal disease symptom that occurs when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. It eventually exposes the tooth root, causing sensitivity and possibly tooth loss.

• Enamel Erosion

Brushing your teeth too vigorously can wear away the enamel over time. Furthermore, brushing too hard right after a meal or drinking acidic beverages can weaken the enamel. Enamel erosion can cause sensitive and discolored teeth.

• Severe Toothbrush Wear

If your toothbrush looks like it came from your dog’s mouth, you may be brushing it too hard. Replace your toothbrush every three months at least. If you notice the bristles worn away and misshaped, it could mean you are brushing too hard.

• Sensitive Teeth

Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel and expose the dentin (a delicate layer of tissues). When you have sensitive teeth, eating and drinking hot and cold foods/beverages can be painful.

• Dull Teeth Appearance

You may notice that your teeth are less shiny and bright and have a darker yellow hue. It could mean that the darker dentin layer is showing through and the enamel wears off from brushing too hard.

• Tooth Decay

Brushing too hard can wear away protective enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities. People who do this often have cavities at the gum line or on the root surface.

Keep Your Oral Health in a Tip-top Shape Today

If you have any dental concerns or needs regarding dental hygiene, such as brushing your teeth, do not hesitate to contact dentists at Fox Creek Dental by Espire Thornton today.