Brushing your teeth too hard can have adverse consequences

PUNE: Practicing good oral hygiene is not just about preventing cavities and brushing your teeth twice a day but also protecting your enamel, caring for your gums, and reducing bacterial build-up.

In fact, brushing your teeth too hard can be almost as bad for your teeth and gums as not brushing at all! There are a number of issues that can arise due to this bad habit.

Receding gums is a common dental problem in patients who brush their teeth too vigorously. The irritation caused by this action can lead to inflammation in the gums and shrinkage of the gum tissue.

You can also cause premature wear to your teeth by brushing too hard. While tooth enamel may be one of the hardest substances in the body, it’s still not impervious to outside forces. Brushing too hard can break down the enamel and cause it to erode. The body is not capable of replacing missing enamel, so you may need to have the tooth restored with a filling or a crown.

A good oral hygiene routine is well-balanced, with just the right amount of tooth brushing — not too much and not too little. If you think you may be using a poor brushing technique, ask your dentist or hygienist for some tips the next time you are in the office. You may also want to bring your toothbrush with you to make sure the bristles have a good texture. Your oral health will reap many benefits if you get on track with your brushing!