Brushing Too Hard Could Literally Brush Off Your Enamel
Posted on 7/12/2021 by Brandon Cooley
Arguably, brushing your teeth is the most important part of your oral hygiene routine. By brushing off the plaque that builds up on your teeth, you take away the bacteria that release acids onto your teeth. These acids erode the enamel of your teeth. It is important to take care of your enamel, which is the shiny surface of your tooth, as it cannot be regrown if it is damaged. If brushing is so good for your tooth, why do some people unknowingly brush it off?
You May Not Know That Your Brushing Is Damaging
If a little is good, a lot may be better. If brushing a little bit is good, brushing harder and longer may be better, right? Most dentists agree that brushing for two minutes during a toothbrushing session is a good amount of time to brush. It is also important to brush all five surfaces of your teeth, including in between your teeth. That is why flossing is so important; you can get to the hidden surfaces by flossing.
If you are brushing longer than two minutes, you may be brushing too long. In addition, if you are brushing too hard, you may be damaging your teeth. Both scenarios, brushing too hard and too long, may brush your enamel off. Additionally, if your toothpaste is too abrasive, you could be damaging your enamel as well. Some wonder if baking soda in toothpaste is too abrasive as it feels hard and gritty. Baking soda will not harm your tooth enamel. It is an effective tooth cleaning agent and helps to remove spots and stains as well.
Brush Your Teeth in a Gentle Way
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes per brushing session. You should do this twice a day. If you have other questions on how to improve your oral hygiene, please call our office today to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning. We look forward to helping you.
Arguably, brushing your teeth is the most important part of your oral hygiene routine. By brushing off the plaque that builds up on your teeth, you take away the bacteria that release acids onto your teeth. These acids erode the enamel of your teeth. It is important to take care of your enamel, which is the shiny surface of your tooth, as it cannot be regrown if it is damaged. If brushing is so good for your tooth, why do some people unknowingly brush it off?
