Brushing your teeth
is important, but
brushing too hard
can actually do more harm than good. Many people think scrubbing harder means cleaner teeth but that’s not true.
In reality, brushing too aggressively can damage your teeth and gums over time.
What Happens When You Brush Too Hard
- Enamel wear
Your enamel is strong but not indestructible. Brushing too hard can slowly wear it down, which may lead to sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities.
- Gum recession
Aggressive brushing can push your gums back. When gums recede, the roots of your teeth become exposed, which can cause sensitivity and increase the risk of decay.
- Tooth sensitivity
As enamel wears and roots become exposed, you may start to feel pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Gum irritation
Brushing too hard can make your gums red, sore, or even cause bleeding.
How to Brush the Right Way
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Hold the brush gently (not like you’re scrubbing)
Use small circular motions
Brush for two minutes
Let the bristles do the work
At the Smile Team, we provide our clients with the best treatment options for them so book a consultation with Dr. Abid Hidayat today. We are open Mondays to Saturdays and speak GUJARATI, HINDI, URDU, TAGALOG and ARABIC. You can reach our family dental care office in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, by calling 416-546-5599.