Of course, you know that brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental routine. But did you know that you could actually be brushing your teeth too hard? Too much pressure when you’re brushing can lead to damage of your gums, which cannot be reversed without oral surgery. That’s why your Ponte Vedra Beach dentist thinks it’s important to share the signs if you’re brushing too hard, how to prevent it, and what to do if you notice those symptoms.
3 Signs You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
There are a few telltale signs that you’re brushing your teeth too hard:
- You’ve noticed your gums are receding. It’s possible that you may have even noticed a complete change in your gum line.
- Your teeth feel more sensitive. You may notice that your teeth are more sensitive to hot or cold substances. This is because when your gums recede, your tooth roots become vulnerable to the substances that enter your mouth.
- Your teeth aren’t as bright near your gums. If your gums start receding, your teeth will look less and less white the further you go into your root surface.
3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth—Not Damage Them
- Use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles. While some people like to use toothbrushes with medium to hard bristles, they can actually damage your gums more and cause gum recession.
- Hold your toothbrush with three fingers. This reduces the pressure of the toothbrush on your gums. Cleaning your teeth doesn’t take pressure, it takes consistent motion. By allowing the tips of the bristles to do the work, your brushing will be more effective.
- Use an electric toothbrush. When used correctly, electric toothbrushes are a fantastic way to prevent gum damage because they allow you to merely guide the toothbrush over your teeth without any extra applied pressure. Merely guide the brush and let it do the work! If you’d like to learn more, ask for help from our family dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach.
What to Do If You Think You Have Receding Gums
The best thing you can do to address gum recession is to visit your dentist. Your dentist will examine your gums to see how far gone your recession is. In extreme cases, we may need to reach out to a periodontist who can graft gum tissue. This will help restore the tissues that protect your tooth roots.
Yes, it’s important to brush your teeth—just do it in a way that massages your gums rather than damaging them. If you need help with the proper techniques on how to brush your teeth, contact our office.