What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Dental Damage and Tooth Brushing

Unfortunately, the best intentions don’t always lead to the best results. In the case of tooth brushing, many people think that they are doing themselves a favor by putting a little extra force into their efforts, believing that they will remove more plaque and food debris that way. What they don’t realize is that they could actually be causing irreparable harm to their teeth over time. In fact, many patients who visit the general dentistry practice of Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky for the first time are surprised to learn that their teeth have sustained damage despite their regular brushing and flossing routines.

Dr. Podilsky discusses the issue of dental damage and aggressive tooth brushing during appointments at his Edmonton, AB cosmetic, implant, and family dentistry practice. He wants his patients to understand the importance not only of brushing regularly, but of brushing properly. Many patients believe that there is only one way to brush; however, most are shocked to learn that they had not been brushing their teeth properly their entire lives. Using the proper tooth brushing techniques can help you keep your teeth clean and healthy for a lifetime.

If you would like to learn more about how you can improve and maintain excellent oral health, we invite you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky today.

How You Can Harm Your Teeth through Aggressive Tooth Brushing

Enamel, the hard, translucent substance that coats your teeth, is one of the strongest substances in all of nature. However, it can be damaged over time. The point of brushing your teeth is to protect your enamel from bacterial plaque, food particles, and other destructive elements that can cause it to become worn. By brushing your teeth at least a twice a day and after every meal, you are taking active measures to preserve your enamel and keep your teeth healthy.

However, if you use undue force in brushing your teeth, you could be contributing to the wear of your enamel. One of the reasons you rarely if ever see hard-bristled toothbrushes on store shelves these days is that they generally cause more harm than good when used to brush the teeth; they are so abrasive that they are better suited to cleaning grout than removing plaque. Still, even soft- and medium-bristled toothbrushes can cause enamel to wear down over time if you use too much force in brushing your teeth.

Ultimately, gentle force will remove just as much plaque and other debris from your teeth as aggressive force, and you will spare your teeth from damage. What is most important is that you brush thoroughly, covering all of the surfaces of your teeth that you can reach with your toothbrush and then using dental floss to account for the spaces in between. Along with visiting our practice twice a year for professional cleanings, this will help you keep your teeth in excellent shape.

Learn More about Dental Damage and Aggressive Tooth Brushing

To learn more about dental damage and aggressive tooth brushing, please contact the general dentistry practice of Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky today.