For as long as most of us can remember, we’ve been told to brush, brush, brush our teeth in an effort to ward off tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental maladies. Children often brush their teeth with excessive force, a well-meaning bad habit that typically disappears within a few years. For some adults, however, old habits die hard, and brushing remains an aggressive experience. Dr. Amanda Foust, a family dentist in Ankeny IA, offers a warning about the dangers of heavy-handed brushing.
Could Your Brushing Habits Be Behind That Mysterious Dental Pain?
Absolutely, says Dr. Foust. Adults who brush with excessive force often experience sensitivity to heat, cold, or both. That sharp, stabbing pain you feel while sipping ice water or snacking on ice cream? This sensation is typical of someone whose forceful brushing habits have resulted in weakened tooth enamel.You may experience similar discomfort sipping hot soup or drinking hot tea. Sensitivity is very common among adults, with at least one out of every eight people reporting discomfort unrelated to cavities.
When you brush with excessive force, you contribute to a gradual wearing down of your tooth enamel. Layers of protective enamel become thinner, exposing dentin and heightening tooth sensitivity. Aggressive brushing also pushes your gums back, which then exposes even more dentin. Tiny canals that run from dentin to nerves in your teeth are stimulated by heat and cold, and you experience moderate to severe discomfort while consuming certain foods and beverages.
Become a Better, More Effective Brusher
At Dental Impressions of Ankeny, we want you to enjoy your teeth for years to come. In addition to regular checkups and cleanings at our office, we advise you to
- Instead of using a sawing motion, brush with gentle, round motions. This removes plaque from the entire tooth, not just the middle.
- Don’t grasp your toothbrush. Hold it loosely as you would hold a pencil.
- Unless otherwise directed, choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles. These gently remove food and bacteria without damaging your tooth enamel. When you brush, use gentle pressure until you can just feel pressure on the gums.
- While brushing, ensure that the bristles’ position is perpendicular to your teeth, never parallel.
- Unless plaque accumulates over time and hardens into tartar, softer motions will remove buildup every time. Brush for two to three minutes each time, but take care not to concentrating on certain areas as you avoid others.
Worried about your brushing habits? Experiencing tooth sensitivity? To schedule an appointment or inquire about our services, contact our office at 515-965-0230. We serve patients living in and around Bondurant, Elkhart, and Alleman.
