Can brushing too hard damage my gums?

The health of your gums is intricately related to the health of your teeth. We use the phrase, “brush your teeth,” but that really means “brush your teeth and gums.”

One of the most common causes of gum problems is lack of flossing. Over time, lack of flossing leads to bleeding gums and sometimes more severe problems like gingivitis and advanced gum disease. This is one extreme of the spectrum – “gum neglect.”

At the other extreme, some people pay too much attention to their gums – they brush their gums really hard, to the point that their gums actually start to recede up and away from their teeth. (Just like a “receding hairline” – receding gums leave sensitive parts of the tooth exposed, and can lead to discomfort).

One of the misconceptions that a lot of people have about dental care is that you need to brush really hard. This is not true. In fact, it’s often better for your teeth and gums if you use a softer touch. The plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth can be more effectively removed with a softer, gentler scrub – if you brush too hard, not only are you risking injury to your gums, but you’re also not cleaning your teeth as efficiently as you could be.

So if you’re one of those “gum scrubbers” who tends to brush too hard, here are a few tips:
• Lighten up! If you tend to brush too hard, the first step is to admit that you have a problem. Make a point of practicing a gentler touch with your toothbrush – ask your spouse or a family member to watch you brush and remind you when you start bearing down too hard.
• Find a new angle. Make sure that your toothbrush bristles are contacting your gums at a 45-degree angle – this can reduce the force of the brush against your gums.
• “Power up” with an electric toothbrush. If you can’t train yourself to brush more softly, get a machine to do it for you! Invest in a quality electric toothbrush, like a Braun Oral-B or other toothbrush –ask your dentist for a recommendation. These power toothbrushes give your teeth and gums a steady, consistent and gentle cleaning – just like the professional models used at your dentist’s office. You’ll be sure to notice a difference – most people never go back to the “old fashioned” toothbrush after they’ve experienced a power toothbrush.

If your gums are straining from the pressure of excessive brushing, know that there is hope. You can usually repair the harm that has been done to your gums – or at least prevent the situation from getting worse. Ask your dentist or hygienist for advice – that’s what we’re here for!