There are several ways to care for your smile. Flossing every day, eating a tooth-approved diet, avoiding bad oral habits like smoking, and practicing moderation when it comes to sweet treats are all great ways to keep your oral health in good condition. Brushing your teeth is also a staple of excellent oral health and a lovely smile, but did you know that you can overbrush? Continue reading to learn about signs that you are brushing your teeth too hard as well as the way this affects your smile.
The Negative Impacts of Overbrushing
Many people vigorously brush their teeth assuming that it’s the most effective way to remove plaque and food particles from their smile. Unfortunately, overbrushing can do more harm than good. For one, brushing your teeth too hard can cause damage to your tooth enamel. As a result, you will be more likely to develop cavities. Overbrushing can also cause gum recession, which makes you more likely to experience tooth loss. Additionally, it can allow your dentin to show through, which is the naturally yellow layer of the tooth.
3 Signs That You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
There are several signs that you should look out for when it comes to overbrushing. A few ways you can know if you are brushing your teeth too hard include:
- Receding gums –Gums that appear shorter than they used to or teeth that appear longer may be a sign that your gums are receding.
- Sensitive teeth –If Your teeth are more sensitive than they used to be, this may mean that you are brushing your teeth too hard.
- Worn-down toothbrush – Toothbrushes Need to be replaced every four to six months. if you notice that the bristles of your toothbrush are born and it has been last them three months, you may be overbrushing.
The Correct Way to Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth the right way will help you avoid overbrushing. The correct way to clean your pearly whites is to:
- Step 1: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid enamel damage. Additionally, use toothpaste that has the ADA seal of approval and contains fluoride. This will help strengthen your teeth against tooth decay.
- Step 2: When brushing, do so at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Allow the bristles of the toothbrush to clean under your gum line. This will lessen your risk of developing gum disease.
- Step 3: Gently move your toothbrush back and forth across your teeth. Be sure to use short, tooth-wide strokes. If you are brushing with an electric toothbrush, it will do most of the work for you. All you have to do is guide the toothbrush over your teeth.
As you can see, overbrushing can lead to a range of oral health problems. So, look out for signs that you’re brushing your teeth too hard. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments to avoid dental damage and keep your smile looking its best!
About the Practice
If your smile is lacking luster or your oral health could use some work, the team at MoreSMILES Dental can help. Their three skilled dentists take pride in what they do, which shows in the exceptional care they administer. They can teach you the proper methods for caring for your teeth at home, such as how to avoid brushing your teeth too hard. If you want to schedule an appointment or have an questions, call MoreSMILES Dental’s office at (985) 809-7645 or visit their website.