Stop Receding Gums in Their Tracks
Brushing your teeth isn’t just to keep cavities away, it’s supposed to help your gums, too. Right? But what if your brushing was actually hurting your gums more than it was helping them? Two-thirds of people apply too much pressure to their gums when they’re brushing their teeth, and this pressure can start to make your gums recede.
Your gums are sensitive. Not enough brushing can be just as bad as too much brushing. You have to find a happy middle. In order to do this, first and foremost look at the toothbrush you’re using. Soft or extra soft toothbrushes are the best, as medium or hard bristles can chase away your gums.
Plaque is a lot easier to remove than it seems—a simple rag could do the job if it had the ability to reach all the places plaque hides—so there’s no need to scrub your teeth like crazy. The soft bristles of your toothbrush will do the job fine. Brush softly for two to three minutes twice a day, according to most dentists. That will do the job fine.
Changing your brushing habits now can keep any damage from getting worse. A few other tips to follow while brushing your teeth include:
- Placing the bristles of the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line when brushing
- Short strokes in a scrubbing motion (don’t just saw back and forth)
- Don’t squash the bristles against the gums, apply just enough pressure that you feel them
If you aren’t sure exactly how to brush your teeth without hurting your gums, call Dr. Real at (714) 525-2888 for an appointment. Any tips he gives you can be applied to your daily routine, plus he can tell you how well you’re currently brushing your teeth and if there are any other problems.