Did you know that roughly 1 in 8 people report having sensitive teeth? Do you have discomfort when eating or drinking hot and cold foods? Your discomfort may be a result of poor dental hygiene, but probably not in the way you imagine. Sensitive teeth can often be caused by overly aggressive brushing, not necessarily a lack of brushing. The steps you are taking to reduce tooth sensitivity may be the very cause of the sensitivity in the first place.
Too much, or too aggressive brushing can damage the gums and expose the dentin layer. This layer contains microscopic holes that exposes the nerves of your teeth. Overly aggressive brushing can also break down the naturally protective layers of tooth enamel.
So, what can you do to ensure your brushing techniques are not damaging your teeth? Follow a few simple guidelines:
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Loosely hold your toothbrush and brush with gentle, even pressure.
- Use gentle circular motions when brushing. Avoid a sawing motion.
- Brush with the bristles perpendicular to the surface of your teeth.
Often a few simple changes to your dental hygiene regimen can net long term benefits. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
