Your Dentist in Coatesville Speaks About Over-Brushing

Since you were a kid, you’ve always been taught that brushing your teeth and gums will keep them healthy and attractive. This is true, but there are some patients who go overboard when brushing their teeth. People are surprised to learn that there is such a thing as over-brushing your teeth. Over-brushing the teeth can lead to sensitivity and receding gums. Your dentist in Coatesville wants to share with you the proper way to brush and take care of your teeth at home.

Do you “over-brush” your teeth?

If you are particularly diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene and are using a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush, you may be damaging your smile by over-brushing. When the teeth are brushed too often and too vigorously, it can wear down tooth enamel and cause the gums to recede. When your sensitive tooth roots are exposed, you can experience tooth pain and be susceptible to more dental issues than normal. This puts the root areas of the teeth at higher risk for decay while also raising your risk for developing periodontal disease.

Brushing Tips from Chester County Dental Arts

If you think you’ve been brushing your teeth too hard or too frequently, it’s never too late to make positive changes to your oral hygiene routine. Here are some tips for brushing from your team at Chester County Dental Arts – where we make it our mission to help our patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.

• Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum damage and unnecessary wear and tear of tooth enamel.
• Brush your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes each time after meals and before bedtime.
• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line when brushing.
• Move your toothbrush using short strokes and a scrubbing motion over all the areas of your teeth.
• Apply light pressure to feel the bristles against your gums. If you are spreading the bristles out, you’re brushing too hard.

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?
Our dental team agrees that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing the build-up of  plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also great for brushing your teeth because they can reach smaller crevices in your mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. Many patients prefer an electric toothbrush as a great alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or sticking to their dental hygiene routine. We encourage you to choose the toothbrush that will make you feel confident in your dental health at home.

Contact the Chester County Dental Arts for Help With your Routine

If you have any questions about how to properly maintain good oral hygiene, please don’t hesitate to contact us! If you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to call our office and speak to one of our helpful office team members. We look forward to helping you keep your smile healthy both in and out of our office.