Can receding gums be caused by brushing too hard?
Whilst having a good oral hygiene routine is vital there are some traps that people fall into particularly when it comes to brushing their teeth. One of these mistakes is brushing too aggressively, which can cause wear which is known as toothbrush abrasionTooth wear caused by forces other than chewing such as holding objects between the teeth or improper brushing.. This is a common problem when people brush their teeth too vigorously and this can lead to the enamelHard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth. of the tooth wearing away and the gums receding. Problematically, this causes the rootThe anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth. of the tooth to become exposed and results in the other periodontalPertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth. diseases from occurring such as cavities that can lead to fillings, crowns, or root canals. Untreated, these problems can become much more worrying and lead to gum disease and possible tooth extractions. Moreover, the groups most at risk from over-brushing their teeth are those who have a family history of receding gums, those who also grind and clench their teeth or people who have had braces to straighten their teeth.
It is vital to know that brushing your teeth harder and with more vigour is not necessary either. PlaqueA soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives. is soft and consequently, it is more important to brush your teeth thoroughly using the correct techniques. This means first, buying a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce the chances of abrasion and then using the toothbrush correctly. Ask your dentist for advice on how best to conduct your oral hygiene routine but tipping the toothbrush to a 45-degree angle when brushing and using short strokes and a scrubbing method will prevent the gums from receding.
Another way to help prevent this is to use an electric toothbrush which can be gentler.
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