Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?

At Arizona Smile Designers, we strive to educate patients on the best dental practices to keep their teeth and gums healthy while also providing high quality general and cosmetic dentistry in Sedona. At the center of good dental care is the oral hygiene routine we practice at home. It is essential to brush twice a day and floss once a day. While brushing too little or ineffectively can cause tooth decay and cavities, brushing too much or too vigorously can also be problematic. Our family dentists in Sedona want to ensure all patients know that brushing too much or too hard can cause dental issues.

Signs You May Be Brushing Too Hard

We all want clean, cavity-free teeth, but that doesn’t mean we should brush our teeth several times per day or brush them aggressively. Your teeth and gums are sensitive and too much pressure can cause gum and tooth conditions. The three most common signs of brushing your teeth too hard include: receding gums, sensitive teeth, and yellow teeth near the gum line. Unfortunately, if you brush consistently hard, your gums will begin to recede, exposing the root of your teeth. These root surfaces do not have the protective layer of enamel on them, meaning they are more susceptible to cavities and will become more sensitive over time.

Prevent Aggressive Tooth Brushing

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent aggressive or hard tooth brushing. Our cosmetic dentist in Cottonwood recommends the following:

• Use a Soft Toothbrush: Typically, when buying a new toothbrush, you’ll notice that they are labeled with soft, medium or hard bristles. You should always choose a soft bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums.
• Use an Electric Toothbrush: One of the best ways to avoid brushing too hard is by using an electric toothbrush. The toothbrush does all the brushing for you, all you need to do is guide it around your mouth.
• Don’t Use All 5 Fingers: If you prefer to use a manual toothbrush, try brushing with only three fingers. This will ease up the pressure you are applying to your teeth. Brushing effectively isn’t necessarily about the force used, it’s about the technique and motion of the bristles.

Contact Your Cottonwood Family Dentist at Arizona Smile Designers!

If you have questions or concerns about your oral hygiene routine, contact Arizona Smile Designers. Our Sedona family dentist and staff will be happy to help. Request your next appointment with our easy online form. We look forward to seeing you soon!