Tooth brush abrasion is the damage that can occur to teeth and gums from improper tooth brushing. Improper tooth brushing results from using improper brushing technique or too hard a tooth brush damaging the teeth and gums. This destructive brushing causes receding gums, excessive root wear, sensitive teeth, and weaker teeth. Proper tooth brushing requires a soft tooth brush, a non-abrasive fluoride tooth paste, and a gentle brushing technique.
First, choose a soft tooth brush. A soft tooth brush is gentle on gums and more effectively removes plaque from below the gum line where gum disease starts. Tooth pastes labeled whitening or tartar control are too abrasive on teeth, gums and exposed roots. Abrasive brushing can wear away the root's protective layer causing sensitivity to hot and cold. A tooth paste labeled for sensitive teeth is non-abrasive.
Next, use proper brushing technique. Angle the bristles of the brush along the gum line at a 45 degree angle and apply just enough pressure to slide the bristles below the gum line. Jiggle the brush in small circular stokes as you move the brush along the gum line. Don't brush too hard! Pressure sufficient to hold the brush with thumb and second finger is ideal.
Finally, if you are having difficulty brushing gently, then use a power tooth brush. Soft bristles and the proper brushing stroke are built right in the device. Avoid carbonated and sugared beverages which soften teeth and make them more susceptible to tooth brush abrasion. If you need further help avoiding tooth brush abrasion, contact Dr. Dulski at Adult Dentistry of Rochester by visiting http://www.dulski.com/ to schedule an appointment for a free exam and tooth brushing instruction.
Tags: Tooth Brush Abrasion, Tooth Brushing
Toothbrush abrasion is seen in about 8 out of 10 people. It can lead to receded gum, sensitive teeth, holes cut into teeth, strange esthetics, and tooth loss. Its not a disease, which is caused by bacteria and infection. This was caused by you.
ReplyDeleteYou brushed too hard, too frequently, with too much force, too much on the gum, for too long, and now it is too late, your gum has disappeared. Maybe you pushed too hard because you were stressed or not paying attention. No matter what the reason, once the gum is gone it is gone and its not coming back.
- content drawn from article written by Dr. Ronald Birnbaum
As a Dental Hygienist I've seen many patients over the years who either have not taken the proper time to toothbrush or have not brushed their teeth with the proper toothbrush. Many patients brush their teeth harshly and too aggressively. A soft toothbrush is recommended for brushing your teeth. Many people feel the harder the toothbrush bristles and the faster and harder they brush the better job they will do. It is just the opposite if you tend to brush to hard,with too much force or too fast with the hard bristle brush, you can cause more damage to your teeth such as toothbrush abrasion as well as gum recession. You can actually wear away tooth structure and cause notching in your teeth. Sometimes less is more just remember to be through and effective. HAPPY BUSHING.
ReplyDeleteDawn D.
As a hygienist, I have seen many patients with severe toothbrush abrasion. Particularly, those who use all natural toothbrushes. These brushes are often made from natural boar hair. Which is an extremely rigid bristle and equals that of a hard toothbrush. This not only damages soft tissues such as gum tissue, but is hard enough of a bristle to do extensive damage to tooth enamel. With this genre of toothbrush, sometimes natural is not always better!
ReplyDeleteIf you are one of those people who feel they need a toothbrush stiffer than a soft brush because you don't have the clean feeling after brushing. Try using a rechargeable toothbrush. Place the brush at the proper 45 degree angle and let the brush do the work. A rechargeable toothbrush can swish or oscillate several more times than using a manual brush. Don't forget to floss and use a mouth rinse to complete your oral home care.
ReplyDeleteOh my God! It's pretty scary that if you practice improper brushing, there's a big chance to have tooth brush abrasion. So you should really choose a toothbrush which has soft-bristles. It's really not good to experience bleeding gums. To avoid it, just use soft-bristled toothbrush. Yeah, it's also good that you floss after eating and after brushing to ensure that there are no debris left between your teeth.
ReplyDeleteEd Hochhalter
Thanks for taking the time to share this information on the damage that can happen to your dental health if not brushing properly. I enjoyed this very well put together article. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteDentist Philadelphia