First things first, if you’ve been too aggressive with your dental hygiene, don’t feel bad about it. Sometimes, whether you’re rushing or you simply think putting some force behind your brushing and flossing will help, you don’t realize that you’re actually causing problems. We can assist you in getting back on track, while we explain why gentle care is best. To get started, think through some signs that your care really is too rough and schedule a visit, so we can help.
Sign #1: Your Bristles Are Frayed
If your bristles of your toothbrush look frayed quite quickly (or if your toothbrush looks demolished after your three to four months of use is up), then you’re probably brushing way too hard. When you notice this, we encourage you to brush much more gently or to try an electric brush that can help you ease up with your dental hygiene.
Sign #2: Gumline Changes
In most instances, if you’re brushing and flossing too vigorously, you’ll end up with a receding gumline. Your gum tissue tends to pull away from the aggressive care, which we call gum recession. However, when you’re too aggressive, it can also contribute to gum disease, which can leave gums inflamed.
Sign #3: You’re Dealing With Sensitivity
If your smile feels sensitive, it might have something to do with your aggressive dental hygiene. First, the gum changes we discussed will often result in sensitivity (recession leaves roots and nerves exposed). In addition, if you’ve eroded your dental enamel by wearing it down over time, this may also expose deeper tissue layers and nerves, which causes sensitivity.
Learn About Best Practices With Us
If you’re unsure about how to best approach your dental hygiene for optimal results, simply ask for tips and instructions during your next dental checkup. Schedule a visit with your dentist in Austin, TX by contacting Austin General Dentistry today at 512-346-5540.
