Most people know that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. This is the most effective way to remove plaque and maintain a healthy mouth. Of course flossing once a day can also play its part.
Combine this with regular trips to the dentist and making sure that you have old silver fillings removed by a professional such as Dent8. This combination should help to ensure that your teeth remain strong throughout your life. Teeth health is actually linked to your overall health; making it extra important that you get this right.
But did you know that it is possible to brush your teeth too hard?
The Problem With Brushing Too Hard
The first thing to note is that if you have sensitive teeth brushing too hard is likely to make the problem worse.
When you brush with excessive pressure you are actually damaging the gum tissue in your mouth. Over time this can recede exposing the lower part of your teeth.
The first thing this does is create a small pocket where plaque can form. This plaque can be harder to remove and increase the chances of you getting gum disease. The fact that poor mouth hygiene is also connected with an increased risk of heart disease makes it even more important that you avoid brushing too hard.
The second thing this does is to expose more of the root and increase the sensitivity of your teeth; making it more difficult to enjoy hot or cold food and drink!
Excessive pressure when brushing can also wear down the enamel on your teeth. Of course this takes time but it will leave your tooth weaker and potentially allow bacteria to attack your dentin; the inner layer of your teeth.
This will increase the number of cavities you have and fillings required.
Of course if these are left untreated you could damage the nerves and root of your tooth; or even need it to be removed.
How To Correct Your Pressure
You need to take a look at how you and your children are holding their toothbrush. It is important to avoid gripping it with your whole hand; this will increase the pressure you are capable of delivering.
Instead use just your forefinger and your thumb to hold your toothbrush. If you find this difficult you can use your middle finger to help balance the brush. Ideally over time you can stop using the middle finger.
With the toothbrush set comfortably between your forefinger and thumb you can run the toothbrush across all your teeth without using too much pressure.
If you’re not sure if you’re brushing too hard then take a look at your brush. If you can make a new brush have flat bristles in just three months then you are brushing too hard. After 3 months use a brush should still look like new.
The sooner you correct this issue the better it is for your oral and overall health.
