Signs That You’re Over-Brushing Your Teeth

Overland Park Family Dental
Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:58:59 +0000
Dental Health, Gum Health, Oral Hygiene

Everyone knows that it’s critical to brush your teeth on a regular basis in order to maintain good dental health, but did you know it’s possible to go overboard? Check out our blog post for a look at signs that you may be over-brushing.

The post Signs That You’re Over-Brushing Your Teeth appeared first on Overland Park Family Dental.

Everyone knows that it’s critical to brush your teeth on a regular basis in order to maintain good dental health, but did you know it’s possible to go overboard? Some people might think that the harder they scrub their teeth, the cleaner they’ll be, but there is a line that you can cross where you start doing more harm than good. Just think: If you’re scrubbing your skin too hard or over-exfoliating in the shower, it can also end up damaging your skin. Here are some signs that you may be over-brushing.

Your Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss

Healthy gums aren’t supposed to bleed, so if you’re noticing some blood when you brush your teeth, it’s possible that your gums are damaged. This can happen when you brush around the sensitive gum area too aggressively. It’s important to be gentle!

Your Gums Are Receding

You probably don’t pay too much attention to where your gum line is, or how far your gums come down your teeth, but another way to look at it is how long your teeth look. The more your gums have receded, the longer your teeth look. The issue is, as gums recede, it exposes more of the tooth root and makes you more susceptible to gum disease. Over-brushing can cause those gums to get pushed back.

Your Toothbrush Bristles Are Frayed

Are the bristles on your toothbrush sticking out at angles? The more we use the toothbrush, the more the bristles become splayed out. Not only does this mean that it’s time to swap out your toothbrush for a new one (frayed bristles don’t clean as efficiently), but it could also mean that you’re working too hard with the brush, increasing the wear and tear.

If you’re concerned that you may be over-brushing, contact us at Overland Park Family Dental. Our knowledgeable team is happy to walk you through proper brushing techniques so that you can keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. We’re also here for any other of your dental questions or concerns.