Everybody understands the importance of strong oral hygiene, but it is important to understand the correct methods when looking after your oral health. Today, we focus on how you brush your teeth. Specifically, how overzealous brushing can cause tooth abrasion.
Tooth abrasion appears as small indentations or notches on the gum line. It is the loss of tooth enamel owing to overzealous brushing. Should you combine overzealous brushing with a hard bristle toothbrush, you’re promoting excessive tooth abrasion.
Combine overzealous brushing with certain foods. If you eat fad diets comprising of acidic and citrus foods, the acid builds in the mouth, causing further enamel damage. Read here to learn how to keep your tooth enamel strong.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Abrasion And Overzealous Brushing?
To prevent tooth abrasion, it is imperative that you brush your teeth using the correct technique. First, you must throw away the use of a hard bristle toothbrush and replace it with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
With your soft-bristle toothbrush, you must ensure that you do not place excessive pressure on the tooth as this can damage the bristles on your toothbrush as well. Therefore, it is recommended that you gently place the bristles on your tooth surface and brush the teeth in a circular motion. Brushing the biting area requires equal care, and the toothbrush should be gently placed on the teeth and moved up and down.
Are There Any Other Treatment Options?
Tooth abrasion can cause sensitivity around the affected area. Sensitivity toothpaste helps to reduce the pain. Consult your dentist for the best sensitive toothpaste.
The abrasion notches on the gum line can be filled with a filling. The white filling material will help reduce sensitivity and block the vulnerable area of the tooth. Fillings also help to block the vulnerable area from eating further damage through overzealous brushing. If your tooth is sensitive to pressure, click here to learn more about why.
If you feel you can benefit from understanding more about tooth abrasion, or you simply feel you need a check-up, contact us to schedule an appointment today!