At West Bowmanville Family Dental, we are passionate about preventive dentistry, and regularly brushing your teeth is essential for anyone who wishes to have a healthy, clean smile. However, did you realize it is possible to overbrush your teeth and that this habit could damage your teeth and gums? Read on to discover how frequently you should brush your teeth and how to ensure you don’t damage your smile.
The Importance of Good Dental Care
Good dental care is about far more than maintaining a bright white smile; taking good care of your teeth and gums can positively impact your dental and overall health. Looking after your oral health in Newcastle prevents common oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease. It also protects you against other serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses. Maintaining good oral health can prevent you from developing these conditions, or if you have medical issues already, it can prevent them from worsening.
Additionally, maintaining good oral health can save you money and time in the longer term. It helps reduce the risk of requiring lengthy and potentially complex dental procedures that can be time-consuming and costly.
How Frequently Should You Brush Your Teeth?
As a general rule, you must brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally just after you wake up and before you go to sleep. You must spend at least two minutes cleaning your teeth, as you need this long to ensure each tooth surface is brushed properly. Some dental professionals also recommend brushing your teeth after each meal, but if you like to do this, wait at least half an hour before brushing. Immediately after eating, your mouth is more acidic due to foods consumed or the action of bacteria that feast on leftover food particles trapped around your teeth, producing acid as a byproduct. The acid softens your tooth enamel, so if you brush your teeth too soon after eating, it’s more easily eroded.
What Are the Consequences of Overbrushing Teeth?
Overbrushing your teeth doesn’t just mean cleaning them too frequently. It also means using excessive pressure to clean them. Brushing your teeth too vigorously can wear down the outer layer of tooth enamel. As a result, your teeth may become increasingly sensitive to hot and cold or sweet and sour foods. Losing the protective outer layer of tooth enamel can also result in tooth discolouration. This is because as the enamel gets thinner, more of the tooth’s natural colour shines through. The natural colour is found in the dentin underneath tooth enamel and can be yellow, grey, orange, or brown.
Brushing your teeth too hard can damage your gums, resulting in gum recession in Clarington that can expose your tooth roots. Unlike your teeth, your tooth roots don’t have the protection of tooth enamel but are only covered in a softer material called cementum that is more easily brushed away. When cementum is brushed away, it leaves your tooth roots vulnerable to cavities.
Making Sure You Brush Your Teeth Properly
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions when brushing your teeth. You don’t need too much force to clean your teeth thoroughly. If you are prone to brushing too hard, you might want to consider purchasing an electric toothbrush with built-in sensors that can alert you when you use too much force.
Ask Us for Help and Advice
Please don’t forget that we can review your brushing routine with you, demonstrate the right technique and discuss which toothbrush is best to use, ensuring you get the most out of your regular dental routine and can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile
