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How to Tell if You Brush too Hard

Posted on 5/24/2021 by Office of Dr. James A. Krippaehne

Are you brushing too hard? It is possible to brush too much or to apply too much pressure when you brush. How do you know if you are brushing too hard? It is not always easy to tell, but there are a few signs you can look for. If you are not certain after learning about these signs, you can always come in and see us. We can examine your mouth and let you know if it appears that you are using too much force.

Your Gums Bleed and Recede

It is not always easy to tell if your gums are receding because they do so slowly. Look closely at your gum line to see if it looks different. It may appear uneven in places. Your gums may also bleed when you brush them. This often occurs when you have gingivitis, but healthy gums can also bleed if you are brushing them too hard.

Another sign that your gums have receded due to brushing with too much pressure is that you start to see the roots of your teeth. These roots are a darker color because they do not have the bright white enamel that the upper parts of your teeth do. When these roots become exposed, they can quickly be damaged by bacteria in the mouth because they do not have this protective coating. If you see that the base of your teeth look darker, call us. If your roots are exposed, we need to take steps to protect them.

Your Teeth Hurt

If you have begun feeling pain when you eat or drink, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, it could be due to the fact that you have brushed away some of your enamel. Brushing too hard can actually destroy the protective coating of your teeth, leaving them vulnerable and sensitive.

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Dr. James Krippaehne

West End Dental
833 SW 11th Ave Suite 300
Portland, OR 97205

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Dental Blog | Portland OR | West End Dental
West End Dental, 833 SW 11th Ave, Suite 300 Portland, OR 97205 ~ (503) 446-2957 ~ west-end-dental.com ~ 9/29/2024 ~ Associated Words: dentist Downtown Portland ~