Plaque is a soft deposit that begins to form on the tooth's surface just 2 hours after brushing. It is very easy to remove. In fact, your tongue and saliva remove a lot of it during the day. There is no need to use a hard or medium-bristled toothbrush to "scrub" your teeth clean. "Scrubbing" your teeth contributes to enamel abrasion and gum recession. The tissues of our gums are delicate, and we must be gentle with them.
Using a toothbrush with "ultrasoft" bristles is a good way to help prevent gum recession and enamel abrasion. Once we lose gum tissue, it doesn't grow back. The only way to cover the roots of the teeth again is to get a gum graft (when gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth, or from donated tissues, and placed over the area of recession). However, if you're unable to find an ultrasoft toothbrush, then a soft-bristled one will do.
An ultrasoft toothbrush combined with using a correct brushing technique is all it takes to prevent this from happening to you. Stay tuned for our next chat on proper brushing techniques.
How about power tooth brushes, even with a soft or extra soft bristle brush does it cause more damage?
ReplyDeletePower toothbrushes are also a very good choice, and won't cause damage to your teeth or gums as long as you're using the proper technique. Each power toothbrush comes with a manual that outlines the correct brushing technique to use. Power toothbrush heads are typically soft-bristled.
Delete