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We all know that we need to brush and floss every day. Proper brushing
removes plaque, food debris, and bacteria from our teeth. Improper brushing,
though, can be destructive, damaging the very teeth and gums that we’re
trying to keep healthy.
What causes
toothbrush abrasion?
Toothbrush abrasion is caused by improper brushing. As strange as it may
seem, teeth and gums are fragile tissues. Improper brushing can cause destructive
problems like:
- Receding gums
- Wearing away of tooth structure at the gum line
- Sensitive teeth
- Weaker teeth
How to brush properly
Proper tooth brushing involves these three things:
- A soft toothbrush
- A non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride
- Good brushing technique
Use a soft toothbrush. A soft
toothbrush also makes it much easier to remove the plaque below the gum line,
where periodontal disease starts.
Use a pea-sized amount of non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride
hardens the outer enamel layer of teeth, may stop a developing cavity,
and gives you more resistance to future cavities. Toothpastes that are
labeled "whitening" or "tartar control" can sometimes
be too rough on receding gums and exposed roots, wearing away the root’s
protective layer. You can be sure a toothpaste is non-abrasive if it’s
labeled "sensitive."
Use proper brushing technique.
Angle the bristles of the brush along the gum line at a 45 degree angle and
apply just enough pressure so the bristles slide under the gum line. Vibrate
the brush while you move it in short back and forth strokes and in small
circular motions. Don’t brush too hard. If you’re not sure whether you’re
pressing too hard, try holding the brush with two fingers. That’s all the force
the brush needs to remove bacteria from the gum line. Here’s another tip: if
your brush bristles have bent over with time, you probably have been pressing
too hard.
If you find that you have a hard
time brushing gently, consider using an electric toothbrush. They remove food,
bacteria, and plaque very well, and they make it much easier to use less
pressure. These days, some advanced electric toothbrushes will even stop or
alert you when you are pressing too hard.
And don’t forget to floss.
Brushing harder won’t get bacteria out from between the teeth.
You may also be interested in:
Fresh
breath and how to get it, how to keep it
Grinding
Your Teeth (Bruxism)
Gum
Disease and Heart Attacks: Is There a Connection?
Think
smokeless tobacco is safer than cigarettes? Think again
Sleep
Apnea—It's More Than Just Snoring
Brushing
Your Teeth
The
Proper Flossing Technique
Importance
of Regular Exams
Plaque
Disclosing Tablets
Fluoride
Homecare
for periodontal disease
Dental
superfloss
Preventive
dental sealants
Nutrition
and Your Health
Dental
Ultrasonic Scaling
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