Many of us are guilty of using a heavy hand while we brush our teeth, but did you know that brushing too hard can actually damage your teeth and gums over time? A common result of hard brushing is gum recession. When you use heavy pressure, your gums actually wear away over time and begin to expose your root surfaces. In a healthy mouth, the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line is covered in enamel. Enamel is the hardest structure in our body being 97% mineralized, making it even harder than bone! In a person who has recession, the gum has receded away from the enamel and is now exposing the root surface. That root is covered with something called cementum which is only approximately 40% mineralized. So what does this mean? This means that over time, if you continue to “scrub” your teeth a little too aggressively, you can actually start to scrub away that softer root surface and cause increasingly deep wear spots called abfractions. Having recession can cause cold sensitivity and and increased chance of decay. Having an abrfaction can cause food to get stuck in these spaces, cold sensitivity, decay and a darkened appearance. Abfractions can often be repaired with a simple tooth colored filling, but in severe cases a crown may need to be placed or even gum surgery may be necessary to cover the area.
So, how do you know if you’re brushing too hard? Take a look at the bristles of your own tooth brush after having it for about 2-3 months. Do the bristles look new and still straight up and down? Or, do they look smushed and splayed out to the sides (like pictured above). This significant wear on your tooth brush is a good indication that you’re using too much pressure. Always use a soft or an extra soft tooth brush unless you’re cleaning your bathroom tiles! Replace your brush every 3 months. If you just can’t get used to brushing with a gentle hand, consider investing in an electric tooth brush. They do all of the work for you and are nice and gentle on your gums. We love the Sonicare brand which gives amazing results!
If you have recession, or if your brush looks like the one pictured above, let us know at your next visit. Your friendly Elmbrook Family Dental clinical staff would be happy to help you change your habits and keep a beautiful, healthy smile!
April 21, 2017
Dr Taibl and his wife welcomed their second child into the world in mid March. Beckham William was born weighing 8lbs 2oz and was 20.5 inches long. He is a relaxed baby with a great appetite! Congratulations Dr Taibl. He is such a beautiful baby!
April 20, 2017
Throughout the years, you’ve certainly had a lot to smile about – from getting married, to watching your children grow into successful adults with kids of their own, to retiring, you’ve always had a reason to beam. And as you get older, you want to make sure you maintain your healthy smile. But how does the aging process affect your teeth? The team at Elmbrook Family Dental understand your question and are here to help. Follow these tips from your premier Pewaukee dentist for a golden smile in your golden years.
April 11, 2017
One of the main goals of any dental practice is to distinguish themselves. When they do it correctly, their special service is often recognized, which is why Elmbrook Family Dental was recently voted the Best Dental Office of Greater Milwaukee 2016 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. What made your Brookfield dentist stand out from the rest? (more…)
April 8, 2017
Thank you so much to all of our wonderful patients who participated in our 8th annual March Madness contest. We always have such a fun time with the NCAA tournaments. Below are the top 4 winners and the prizes they received:
1st: Yunge M. $150 Bartolotta gift card
2nd: Chuck S. Custom whitening trays
3rd: Jenny O. 4 movie tickets and snack passes
4th: Joy B. $25 Blackfin gift card
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