Post

patient smiles at periodontist in Pembroke Pines

Does Brushing Too Hard Damage Your Gums?

July 14, 2022

Nearly as awful as not brushing at all is brushing too vigorously. According to a periodontist in Pembroke Pines, too much pressure when brushing your teeth can wear down the enamel, harming your gums, and making your teeth too sensitive.

Additionally, using a toothbrush with extra hard bristles can harm your gums. Up to 20% of Americans have worn down teeth from brushing too vigorously. Continue reading to learn about the hazardous effects of vigorous brushing.

toothbrush recommended by a periodontist in Pembroke Pines

Effects of Brushing Teeth Too Hard

Shrinking Gums

Gum recession is the most frequent issue associated with vigorous brushing. The gums may get inflamed and shrink as a result of repeated cleaning. Receding gums can cause not only cosmetic issues, but also periodontal disease, cavities, sensitive roots, and dental sensitivity. If it worsens, your dentist may need to perform a gum transplant.

Damaged Enamel

The enamel of your teeth can also be damaged if you brush too vigorously. Even though tooth enamel is one of the body’s toughest tissues, it is not impervious to damage.

Human teeth may become incredibly sensitive and more prone to cavities if the enamel starts to disintegrate. Your teeth may begin to yellow as a result of worn enamel, which can also leave tiny craters. You need to get dental fillings and crowns to restore enamel.

Brush Effectively

You should apply precisely the appropriate amount of pressure when cleaning your teeth—neither too much nor too little. Also, you need to spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth twice a day. Limit your daily brushing to three times.

The effective way of brushing teeth is to apply a gentle toothbrush to your gums at a 45-degree angle. Slide your teeth back and forth while being strong but not too much. If the bristle reaches the gums, make sure that it touches them with less pressure.

You are obviously brushing too hard if you are breaking the bristles. Plaque can be removed without overdoing it. If you’re having trouble, the issue is probably tartar, which only a dentist can remove.

patient flosses teeth as advised by a periodontist in Pembroke Pines

Contact a Periodontist in Pembroke Pines if Your Gums Constantly Bleed

While brushing, you should be thorough but not harsh. Consider buying an electric toothbrush if you struggle to control how much pressure you exert on the brush. Get a hold of us at Village Square Dental for more information.

Located in the new Village Square Publix shopping center