Why You Shouldn’t Brush Your Teeth Too Hard
August 17, 2017
You are told again and again to brush your teeth to help prevent a myriad of issues, including gingivitis and advanced periodontal disease. However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, as they say. When you brush too hard, you might just hurt your gums and cause gum recession. That is why Dr. Rice at Advanced Laser Gum Surgery Institute of Washington trains our patients on the proper way to brush to gain all the benefits and none of the potential negative consequences.
Why Brushing Too Hard Is Bad
When you brush your teeth too hard, the irritation leads to inflamed gum tissue. This causes gum recession, which has many negative effects including tooth loss. It also might contribute to periodontal disease, which could lead to tooth decay and missing teeth. You might also experience tooth sensitivity. In severe cases, you need gum restoration to repair the damage.
In addition to damaging the gums, brushing too hard might also impact the enamel of your tooth. Although tooth enamel is strong, it can crack and break. When you brush too hard, it weakens the enamel. This increases the risk that you will crack or break your tooth, requiring a crown or filling to restore it.
Bleeding Gums: Gum Disease or Brushing Too Hard?
When you brush your teeth too hard, you might cause bleeding gums. This could be from acute trauma to the tissue. If it is a one-time situation, then it might not have a long-lasting effect. You also probably know that you brushed harder than normal, so you do not have to worry about the blood. However, if you constantly brush too hard, then you will see blood every time. Then, you are left with a question: is it from brushing too hard or gum disease.
Prevent Gum Disease
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rice to review your oral health. He will also review your brushing technique to ensure you are doing it properly, including suggesting what type of toothbrush to use.