A dentist has revealed one thing you need to stop doing while brushing your teeth, because it does more harm than good.
We only have one set of teeth, so practising good oral hygiene is really important to maintain that pearly white smile.
Stop doing this while brushing your teeth
Dr. Nicole Mackie, a dentist in Nevada, says you need to stop brushing your teeth too hard, because it doesn’t make your teeth cleaner and can actually cause more problems.
“Some patients tend to believe ‘the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth’. But the truth is that overzealous brushing can damage the teeth and gums, leading to long-term dental issues,” she told The Focus.
“It’s not like like hand-washing dishes, where the harder you scrub, the cleaner they become – The harder you brush the more issues you can create.”
How to know if you’re brushing too hard
Mackie said you’ll know if you’re brushing too hard if your gums are often sensitive, swollen, or bleed easily.
Other “red flags” include the gumline beginning to recede and increased sensitivity, especially when enjoying hot or cold foods.
You can also tell if you’re brushing too forcefully by the way your toothbrush looks.
“If your toothbrush looks it just woke up from a wild night of partying with its bristles frayed and fanned out after just a few weeks of use, that’s a clear sign!” she added.
How to use your toothbrush correctly
The recommended pressure to apply while brushing depends on the kind of toothbrush you use.
Electric toothbrushes do all the work for you, so you shouldn’t be applying any force at all. The dentist advises holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and “letting it do its thing”.
With manual toothbrushes, Mackie recommends using a soft-bristled brush and applying “delicate pressure”.
“Brushing is not about exerting brute force but maintaining consistency and coverage,” she said.
