When you need to clean something around the house, you likely tell yourself, “I’ll just put a lot of effort and hard work into this and it will shine!” When you need to clean the dishes, you probably think to yourself, “I’ll use a lot of soap and scrub as hard as I can!” As a result, you might have similar thoughts when it’s time to clean your smile. Unfortunately, if you go to town with serious scrubbing, you will not end up with a healthy smile! Instead, it’s very important to take a thoughtful, gentle approach to brushing. Allow us to explain why this seemingly counterintuitive suggestion is so important for protecting your oral health.
Why You Shouldn’t Brush So Hard
Your teeth are certainly strong but they are not resistant to erosion or scraping. Your gums are resilient but they are vulnerable to damage. Unfortunately, if you brush quite hard, it will only cause harm to your oral health. Here’s what might happen:
- You scrape the enamel of your teeth, weakening them and promoting issues like sensitivity and decay
- You irritate your gums, which causes them to recede, yielding a sensitive smile
How You Should Brush
Fortunately, brushing correctly for good oral health is simple. You need to keep the following in mind:
- Use a toothbrush that is made with soft bristles only
- Brush for two minutes
- Use a light touch (it really will work!)
- Do this twice daily
What To Do If You’ve Been Vigorously Brushing
Think your years of vigorous brushing may have already taken a toll on your smile? Come on in. We will examine your smile and create a care plan to address any damage.
