Many people don’t realize that it is in fact possible to brush too hard. Keeping your teeth clean may seem simple, but it is important to be cognoscente and make sure you are doing it in a healthy manner rather than eliminating one problem only to start another. Here at Dr. Roy D. Jennings Dentistry, we are among the best offices here at home in Monroe, North Carolina. We want to help you ensure you are doing the best you can each and every day. Here are a few signs that you may be brushing your teeth a little too hard.
There is unfortunately a lot of potential damage that could occur if you are too hard on your teeth. Brushing too hard can cause abrasions on your enamel, can cause gum damage, or tooth sensitivity. Many of these effects, if not caught soon enough, can be irreversible without surgery. First and foremost, if you notice that your gums are receding, bleeding, or tender, you may be brushing too hard. These can be signs of other more serious issues as well, but might be as simple as applying a bit too much pressure while you brush. Try slower, more gentle strokes and see if that makes a difference. If not, be sure to come in as soon as possible so we can help. If your teeth are growing more sensitive over time to hot or cold, it may be because your gums are receding and exposing more nerve packed parts of your tooth. You may also notice a color change if your gums recede due to unnecessary force. These parts of your teeth do not have the enamel that the rest of your exposed tooth has, so it may appear a different color almost as if it is stained.
If you worry you may brush too hard, don’t worry! There are ways around it, such as using a soft bristled brush or simply adjusting how you hold it. We can help guide you toward the best options for you. Call us at Dr. Roy D. Jennings Dentistry today to set up an appointment and we can take a look for you and answer and questions you may have.