If you want to take the best care of your teeth and gums, following an oral health routine that includes brushing your teeth twice daily is important. Of course, if you aren’t using the right technique, you could do just as much harm as good. One of the most common brushing technique issues we see in our patients at American Dental is brushing too hard. While you may think that brushing harder will remove more plaque, it’s counterproductive because it can damage the delicate tissues of your gums. It could even lead to gingivitis and other issues over time.
Here are some signs that you may be brushing your teeth too hard:
- You Bleed Excessively After Brushing – Do you notice blood in the sink when you spit out your toothpaste? Seeing a little blood isn’t unusual, although it can be a sign of potential issues if it becomes an everyday occurrence or if bleeding is excessive. Bleeding after brushing could mean you’re brushing too hard, so try changing up your technique and consider switching to a softer bristled brush if it’s something you see regularly.
- Your Gums Begin to Recede – When you go in for a dental checkup, your dentist or hygienist will usually measure the spaces between your teeth and gums to find out if you are developing gingivitis or gum recession. Keep track of the results of this test and discuss them with your dentist. If you notice that your gums are pulling away from your teeth over time, it could result from brushing too hard.
- Your Teeth Become More Sensitive – One symptom of gum recession is increased sensitivity in your teeth. That’s because exposed tooth roots are more sensitive, so you may notice some pain when consuming hot or cold foods or a general increase in sensitivity. Again, this could be caused by gum recession that stems from brushing too hard.
- Your Gums Change Color – When your gums take repeated punishment for brushing too hard, they may change color. If you notice your gums are lighter near your teeth – they can even appear white or purple – it could mean that your forceful brushing is causing damage and reducing blood flow to your delicate gum tissue.
General Dentist in Evergreen Park
If you think you are brushing too hard, your dentist will happily discuss it with you and recommend improving your gum health. All you have to do is schedule a dental checkup! If you live in the Chicago area, American Dental can connect you with a general dentist in Evergreen Park or any of our 8 locations.
Call us at (773) 906-7255 to find the clinic closest to you and schedule a checkup, or schedule your appointment online by filling out our convenient form. The sooner you identify and correct the issues with your brushing technique, the better it will be for your gum health, so contact us today!