When it comes to brushing your teeth, you might think that harder is better. The truth is that brushing too hard can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Only the tips of the toothbrush bristles can reach the tiny areas between your teeth and beneath your gum line, so hard brushing actually does not provide any benefit, but can damage your gums.
Brushing gently with your toothbrush angled toward your gum line is the best way to remove plaque and bacteria. Using an appropriately sized toothbrush – one that easily fits in the back of your mouth - is also beneficial. Soft bristles can prevent damage to your gums and recession at your gum line.
Flossing your teeth removes plaque from between your teeth before it hardens into tartar. No amount of brushing can remove cement-like tartar from between your teeth and near your gum line. That is why flossing daily is essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Tartar, also known as calculus, can collect and cause gum irritation and periodontal disease. It is important to floss properly – gliding the floss up and down on both sides in between your teeth. Quickly snapping the floss in and out without proper technique will not be as effective.
Toothpaste does matter. Fluoride containing toothpaste combats demineralization of your enamel caused by acid and bacteria. Fluoride toothpaste also helps with tooth sensitivity due to recession and loss of enamel. Avoiding whitening toothpaste, which often has abrasives in their formulas, can also reduce sensitivity and wear to your enamel.
Why does this matter? Once the enamel on your teeth is compromised, you will be more susceptible to decay, especially near the gum line where notching, called abfractions, can occur.
If you have sensitive teeth, or if you have questions about brushing, flossing, toothpaste, or fluoride, contact our office and schedule a hygiene appointment. Our knowledgeable hygienists can help you choose the products and demonstrate the techniques that will keep your smile healthy.