Do you experience tooth sensitivity when brushing your teeth or notice some blood in the sink when you rinse? These could be signs that you’re brushing too hard. Many people think that using hard or medium-bristle toothbrushes or pressing down while brushing makes their teeth cleaner, but this is absolutely not true. Vigorous brushing can lead to a condition known as tooth wear and damage your smile. If you’re wondering if you’re brushing too hard, your dentist can help! Read on for signs that you’re brushing too hard.
Worn Hairs
Normal wear and tear on your toothbrush, such as frayed bristles, occurs with regular dental care. This is one of the reasons why your dentist recommends changing it every 3 months. But if the bristles are fraying sooner than that, you’re probably pressing too hard.
Increased Sensitivity
Vigorous brushing can lead to gradual removal of your enamel. As this happens, more and more of your dentin, which has tiny tubules attached to nerve tissue, will be exposed, increasing your teeth’s sensitivity to cold and heat. If the enamel wears off, it cannot grow back. If this has happened to you, your dentist may recommend mouthwashes or toothpastes that can help minimize your sensitivity to the temperature extremes found in coffee or ice cream.
A Pale Smile
Vigorous brushing will not make your teeth look whiter. In fact, it will make your smile increasingly dull. Enamel is what makes your teeth look white and protects them from both heat and cold. If your teeth are dull and sensitive, it’s probably because hard brushing has eroded your enamel and exposed your naturally yellow dentin.
Gum Condition
Damaged gum tissue can also be the result of brushing too hard. Frequent damage to your gums not only causes them to bleed, but also causes your gums to recede. If the roots of your teeth are easily visible, it is very likely that you have gum recession.
If you want good oral health, it’s important to take good care of your teeth. Brushing your enamel can do more than increase your tooth sensitivity. It can also put you at risk for tooth decay and other more serious problems. The good news is that if your tooth enamel has been weakened simply by vigorous brushing habits, your dentist can help you restore it. If these symptoms sound familiar, try cleaning your teeth with a lighter touch and make an appointment with your dentist today to find out how you can save your smile.
