One of the most important things you can do for your dental health, besides regular visits to the dentist and proper flossing, is to make sure you don’t over brush your teeth. This can cause serious problems with your gums, leaving them susceptible to infections and disease in the long run, as well as chip away at the enamel on your teeth, which can result in tooth decay down the road. It’s important to remember that when you’re brushing twice daily, that means once after every meal and once before bed. That’s it! At Manor House Dental, we provide dental services such as dental crowns, bridges, teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today if you have any questions or simply want to know more about our services.
What Is Over Brushing?
People who brush their teeth too vigorously, too long, or not enough are guilty of over brushing. While you may not notice this, it’s important to take care of it before the damage is done. Overshrinking leads to many problems, which can not only negatively affect your oral health but your overall health too.
You must brush your teeth twice a day, every day. It is recommended that you brush for at least two minutes at a time. You should also replace your toothbrush regularly, dentists recommend getting new ones every three or four months.
How Do You Tell If You Are Over Brushing?
Those who use a hard-bristled or medium-bristled toothbrush are at a high risk for dental or gum damage, so brushing overzealously is not advised. Warning signs of over brushing include:
- Bleeding gums or teeth after brushing
- Gum recession
- Splayed bristles
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
How Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Brush your teeth gently, so that you do not irritate the gums and consequently cause them to recede. This puts you at risk for periodontal disease and cavities. The goal of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque, which is the substance that can cause decay. To get rid of plaque, the important technique is your brushing, not just how hard you brush. Using a gentle circular motion is the best way to clean the surface of teeth and remove plaque. Electric toothbrushes use this motion more effectively and are a good option if you’re having trouble brushing properly with a traditional toothbrush.
How Do I Stop Over Brushing?
Here are a few things you can do to stop over brushing:
- Stop brushing after meals
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use the proper technique (as mentioned above)
- If you bite your fingernails or use your teeth to open things, this can cause dental abrasion
- Don’t brush your teeth after meals or wait at least one hour before brushing
Over Brushing is something we all know, but still do. Oftentimes when we’re in a rush, tired or stressed out, it becomes easy to forget that we don’t need to brush for as long as we do. Hopefully, after reading this blog you can now take the necessary steps to stop over brushing and improve your oral health. At Manor House Dental, we are happy to help and give you advice on taking care of your teeth or the services we provide. Contact us to book your appointment with us today.