Dangers of Brushing Too Hard, from Your Moorestown NJ Family Dentist

We all know how important it is to brush your teeth and take care of your oral health. Did you know that sometimes you can brush too hard and actually hurt your teeth? Here’s what you should know.

 

What is Wrong with Brushing Hard?

You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each. This is one of the most important parts of your dental care routine. Brushing too hard can cause your teeth to become sensitive.

Sensitive teeth occur when the enamel starts to disappear from the tooth’s surface. This wearing away of enamel can be caused by other factors such as poor oral hygiene. It can also be the result of scrubbing too hard. 

 

Once the enamel is worn away, the teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold sensations. This feeling will travel quickly to the tooth’s pulp and cause pain. In addition, brushing too hard wears away the tooth down by the gumline and could expose the root. 

 

Using Too Much Force?

One of the best ways to tell if you are putting too much muscle in the power of your oral hygiene is to look at your toothbrush. If your bristles on your toothbrush stick out in multiple directions, you are probably using too much force. Lighten up a little and allow the brush and toothpaste to do their jobs.

 

Avoiding Sensitive Teeth

To avoid sensitive teeth, there are some other actions you can take. Avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Instead, pick an option designed for sensitive teeth with soft bristles. You could also opt for a powered toothbrush that does the work for you. These vibrating bristles are effective at breaking through the plaque. There are even some toothpaste brands that are geared toward sensitive teeth.

If your mouth bleeds during brushing or continues to cause you pain, it is important that you speak with the dentist. Sometimes, sensitive teeth can be the result of more severe problems. You should never attempt to fix the situation on your own. By visiting your Moorestown family dentist now, you can avoid costly and painful procedures in the future.