Are You Overbrushing Your Teeth?

You regularly brush and floss because you are aware of how important proper oral hygiene is. But is it possible to overbrush your teeth? Yes, dentists agree.

Overbrushing, also known as excessive brushing, can harm your teeth and gums. Read more to know what exactly is over brushing and what harm might it do? And what action to take to change the situation?

The Negative Effects Of Excessive Brushing

Regular brushing is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but dental professionals caution against doing too much. The outer coating of your teeth may become damaged if you brush them too vigorously, which can make them more sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures. In addition, vigorous brushing harms delicate gum tissue and may eventually cause it to recede, exposing delicate tooth roots and making them susceptible to decay and periodontal disease.

You can also Read: Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes: What’s Best?

What are some telltale indicators that you might be overbrushing?

1. Brush bristles that are spread out.
2. Swollen or bloodshot gums.
3. Gum bleeding
4. Recession

So, how can you effectively clean your teeth and gums without causing harm to them?

How do you brush your teeth properly?

Plaque, a sticky, white substance that promotes decay, is what you want to get rid of when you clean your teeth. Instead of brushing vigorously, a good brushing technique is more important for removing plaque.

The best method is to gently brush the tooth surface in a circular motion.

What is a decent brushing method?

Following are the procedures that a dentist advises you to take:

1. Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles.
2. Go for the gum line with your brush while holding it at a 45-degree angle.
3. Brush in a circling motion when brushing, not in a sawing motion.
4. Just enough pressure should be used to feel the bristles against your gums.
5. Brush 30 seconds on each quadrant and for atleast 2 minutes.

How frequently should I brush?

It’s best to brush two to three times every day.

Conclusion

Overbrushing is a common issue, but it can be solved! See your dentist at Palm Tree Dental right away if you’ve discovered that your gums have receded or that your teeth are now sensitive to heat or cold.