Brushing your teeth regularly is very important for good dental health, but it is possible to brush too hard or too often which can lead to problems for your teeth and gums. Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel of your teeth and damage the gums causing them to recede and expose the roots of your teeth.
Receding Gums
Receding gums can lead to gum disease or allow cavities to form on the roots of the teeth which can potentially lead to the need for more dental care and expensive treatment. Healthy gums protect the roots of the teeth from damage and are an important barrier against bacteria and plaque.
Soft Toothbrushes
People who are very concerned about their oral health and brush frequently may be at the greatest risk of damaging their teeth and gums from brushing too much or too hard. An additional factor may be the use of a toothbrush that has hard or medium bristles; a soft-bristled toothbrush is always best. Fresh plaque is actually quite soft, and thorough, gentle brushing will easily remove it.
Preventing Dental Issues
Brushing vigorously provides no extra benefit and may actually be causing harm. Choosing a new toothbrush and changing your habits for tooth brushing will provide many benefits for your dental health. This can be especially helpful if you visit a dentist without insurance, as you can potentially prevent expensive treatment with good daily dental care.
