We appreciate patients who are proactive about their oral health. But there is a point when you can be A LITTLE TOO aggressive in fighting off plaque and harmful acids inside your mouth.
I’m talking about the dangers of over-brushing or brushing your teeth with too much force. It may not seem like a big deal, but brushing with too much gusto can cause serious oral health affects, such as receding gums, sensitive teeth, tooth decay and enamel erosion.
How To Brush
At New Albany Implants, we recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to lower your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. If you’ve been in our office, you have probably heard that speech before, but maybe you haven’t heard about how to properly brush your teeth. There is no diagram you must follow while brushing your teeth, but there are a few “dos” and “don’ts” you need to know.
Don’t Overdo it: Over-brushing your teeth can damage your gums and cause your enamel to erode. Once your enamel is gone, it’s gone forever. Your enamel protects your tooth’s dentin – the yellow tissue that contains a network of blood vessels and nerves.
Take Your Time: Brush your teeth for a solid two minutes, reaching every corner of your mouth. Avoid brushing immediately after eating. Take 30 minutes to allow the saliva in your mouth to fight off harmful acids and bacteria.
Lighten Up: There is no need to vigorously brush your teeth. Plaque can form in the span of eight hours and is perhaps the biggest culprit of tooth decay, but it’s soft. You can easily remove plaque with a soft toothbrush and proper flossing technique.
In addition to exercising a healthy brushing routine, visit our office twice a year for dental visit. We can give the best preventive care and share a litany of dental health tips. Call us today and schedule a visit.
