Yellow teeth are often the result of staining from tannin-rich drinks like coffee, tea, soda and wine, but it can also be a that you are brushing your teeth too hard. What many don’t know is that forceful brushing, or toothbrush abrasion, can also cause you to have a dull, yellow smile. Keep reading for 4 signs that you might be brushing too hard and what you can do to get your luminous smile back.
Splayed Bristles
One of the easiest ways to tell if you might be brushing too hard is to look at your toothbrush. With regular dental care, the bristles on your brush can become frayed, due to normal wear and tear. But if you find that your bristles tend to wear down before 3 months have passed, it is very likely that you are brushing too hard.
Sensitive Teeth
Forceful brushing can wear down your enamel, which is the protective coating on your teeth that gives them their white color and shine. Once your enamel is gone, it cannot grow back. You will be left with exposed dentin, which is tiny tubules that connect to nerve tissue and give your teeth sensation. This exposure increases dental sensitivity by allowing your dental nerve to be vulnerable to extreme temperatures. If this happens, your dentist may recommend special mouthwashes and kinds of toothpaste that will help provide relief. Another option is to cover the exposed surface with a veneer.
A Lackluster Smile
If you notice your smile has become dull and yellow, it is possible that by pressing down too hard, you have actually brushed away some of your enamel. The yellow color is actually from the dentin that sits just below your enamel. If your dentist finds that your enamel is still intact but has been weakened, they can help repair it to some degree by applying a fluoride varnish.
Receded Gums
Toothbrush abrasion can damage your teeth, but it can also harm your gums by causing them to bleed and retract. Once your gums have begun to recede, the roots of your teeth are easily visible and vulnerable to bacteria and decay.
Cleaning your teeth is an important part of good oral hygiene, but it should not be like cleaning the grout between the tiles in your bathroom. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and make small circles, giving your teeth and gums a massage rather than a scrub. If any of these signs sound familiar, you should schedule a visit with your dentist right away so they can help to restore your beautiful smile.
About the Practice
At CDL Dentistry, Drs. Christine Laster and Dalton Hunt are committed to providing the citizens of Raleigh with personalized, high-quality dental care. Together, their professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Association of Women Dentists and more. If you believe you may have enamel damage from brushing too hard, visit the website or contact the office at (919) 787-0355 to schedule an appointment today.