We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, morning and night. Daily brushing cleans away bacteria and food debris that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth discoloration.
In addition to how often you brush your teeth, it’s also important to brush long enough and with the right amount of pressure.
Unfortunately, it is possible to brush your teeth too hard. Aggressive brushing can damage your tooth enamel and irritate your gums, even causing gum recession. Thin enamel and receding gums can increase your risk for tooth sensitivity, cavities, and infection. Aggressive brushing can involve too much pressure, vigorous sawing back and forth in a limited direction, and bristles that are too hard.
Tips for Gentle Brushing
You can reform your brushing habits. Here are some tips to help you treat your teeth and gums with care:
- Use Soft Bristles – Switch out your toothbrush with a brush that has soft bristles. Don’t use bristles labeled “firm” or “medium”.
- Go Electric – The vibrations and rotational movement of an electric toothbrush do most of the scrubbing work for you, leaving you just to guide the brush throughout the mouth. Look for a model with a built-in pressure sensor that will stop or warn you when you’re brushing too hard.
- Brush 2 Minutes – It’s easy to apply too much pressure when you’re rushing through your oral hygiene routine. You should be brushing for a full two minutes each time you brush. Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in 2-minute timer to help you brush for the correct amount of time.
Combine At-Home Oral Hygiene with Visits to Our Office
A great oral hygiene routine includes daily at-home dental hygiene and routine visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups. We invite you and your family to visit our office for all your oral healthcare needs. Contact us today to schedule your next visit to Grafton Dental Care!
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