It might seem odd for a dental office to warn people about the dangers of brushing too much, but the simple fact is, brushing too hard can be bad for oral health. The gums are very sensitive and the wrong kind of toothbrush used to hard and vigorously can have bad effects on the gums and teeth. And that raises one of the few dangers of brushing, which is the potential for gum erosion and increased sensitivity that results. Here are a couple pointers on not overdoing it with the brushing.
Soft Bristles Are Best
Many toothbrushes have stiff, hard bristles that can wear down the gum line and cause sensitivity to temperature changes, sweets and hot and cold drinks and food. Over time, as the gum line recedes, the teeth become more exposed and their root systems more sensitive to changes in temperature and other external stimuli. That can lead to gum disease and other problems, including weakened root systems and teeth that can’t hold up as well against the usual culprits that have negative impacts on teeth and oral health.
Pay Attention to Toothbrush Informational labels
When buying new toothbrushes, it helps to read any information on the types of bristles used and how they might be situated. Many newer toothbrushes are designed with ergonomic use in mind and to reach typically hard spots in the back of the teeth by the molars where many toothbrushes have difficulty reaching. A lot of new toothbrushes have firm, stiff bristles in the middle surrounded by softer bristles on the outer edges to protect the gums while still providing plenty of stiffer bristles for removing food and other particles from between the teeth and gums. That helps to provide the right kind of brushing action where it is needed most while preserving the gum lines for later in life.
Do you pay much attention to the types of toothbrushes your family uses?