Posted By: Amanda Banks, RDH
Does Your Toothbrush Look Like This? Your gums may be receding!
As soon as I see that a patient has gum recession, the first question I ask is whether or not their toothbrush looks like this (flared out like the picture), or like this (bristles still nice and straight). If your toothbrush bristles become frayed and flared out after a while, you are brushing too aggressively which often leads to gum recession. If your toothbrush has soft bristles you are less likely to be causing permanent damage, but a hard bristle brush can cause recession quickly.
Recession – let’s talk about why it’s bad
A lot of people don’t notice their gum recession until it gets pretty bad and their teeth become sensitive, or until a dental professional points it out to them. Most people develop more severe recession on their posterior teeth so it is not as noticeable to them. As your gums recede, more of your tooth is exposed. The problem (other than being concerned for your vanity), is that this root portion of your tooth that is now exposed is not strong and tough like the upper portion of your tooth. The top of your tooth (we call it the “crown” portion of the tooth) is covered with enamel, which is the hardest substance in your body. The enamel can withstand a lot, though rough brushing will still harm it. The root of your tooth is not covered with enamel, but cementum. Cementum is not near as strong as enamel, and it will begin to wear away quickly if you continue that aggressive brushing on it. The layer of cementum is very thin, and once you wear through it, your tooth will almost always become very sensitive, especially to cold. Many patients end up needing many small fillings to cover these sensitive areas to prevent further wearing down of the teeth.
Brushing too hard → Gum recession → Exposed roots → Worn down teeth and sensitivity problems → Fillings
Also, these worn down recession areas often like to trap plaque, and are more susceptible to cavities over time. All that just from brushing too hard!
OKAY! I get it! So what should I do to prevent this?
First of all, only buy soft toothbrushes (if you have an electric brush, all-electric brush heads should be soft). Often times when we say this patient will ask “but why do they sell medium and hard bristle brushes if they are bad for my teeth?” The sad and simple answer is that people will buy them, and these companies want money more than they want you to have healthy teeth. It is my opinion that hard bristle brushes should only be sold on the isle with the cleaning supplies (so that you can still buy them for scrubbing tile grout and such) and should have a warning on them that they aren’t good for your teeth. But I digress.
Secondly, now that you have a nice soft brush, you need to make sure you are “brushing” your teeth, and not “scrubbing.” Let’s review technique.
Bass Method Brushing (this has nothing to do with fish)
The Bass method of brushing is what we are taught to teach you guys. Start with your toothbrush bristles angled at about a 45 degree angle to your gums, and move your brush in very small back and forth motions (almost like you are trying to just vibrate your toothbrush). Most plaque likes to accumulate at the gum line (where your teeth and gums meet), so you want to really focus that area. You gently hold the brush against the teeth and gums, you do not press down which will lead to your brush having that flared appearance. Most of our patients have probably seen the Oral B electric brushes that we have for sale at the office. One of the awesome features of these is that if you push too hard while brushing the brush will actually let you know! It will glow red and slow down the spinning to try and prevent you from damaging your teeth. We love these Oral B brushes for many reasons, but this is a big one, and we often recommend them for patients who need to break their bad scrubbing habits. Speaking of the electric brush, you use a different technique with an electric brush than what is described above. Since it does the brushing for you, you simply move it around slowly and let it brush one tooth at a time.
But the damage is already done… 🙁
If you already have sensitivity from gum recession, use sensitivity toothpaste. That’s the easiest and cheapest option. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, talk to us, and we can recommend some other treatments that may help.
Visit Our Fayetteville, AR Dental Office
To learn more about the best oral hygiene practices for your smile, visit the professionals at Greenway Dental Care n Fayetteville dental office. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call or request an appointment online.
FAQs
Either an oval or rectangular design will work best for you if it fits comfortably in your mouth. In most cases, a smaller brush head will clean more effectively, especially for those with smaller mouths. Small toothbrushes allow you to reach every tooth, including the hard-to-reach areas at the back of the mouth.
Does the shape of your toothbrush matter? ›
While choosing the size and shape of your toothbrush is mostly a personal preference, smaller toothbrush heads are better equipped at getting into small crevices to remove food particles and bacteria.
What is the toothbrush test? ›
This is a test used by Larry Page, CEO of Google, to decide which companies he likes. According to the New York Times, when Page looks at a potential company to acquire, he wants to know if the product is, like a toothbrush, “something you will use once or twice a day.”
What is the autism toothbrush test? ›
The study examines the efficacy of manual and powered toothbrushes among a large population of autistic patients. The study has been complemented by the detection of red complex organisms using PCR.
How to know if a toothbrush is good? ›
Choosing a Good Toothbrush
- Small brush head and well-designed bristles: Choose a toothbrush with a small brush head and a bristle design that helps you to get to the hard-to-reach places of your mouth.
- Soft bristles: Your toothbrush should have soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums.
Oral-B iO Series 5
Combined with the AI-assisted app that tracks your brushing and offers you tips, it's one of the best we've found at delivering a dentist-level clean every time.
What is the importance of the shape of a toothbrush? ›
The shape of the head ensures greater efficiency in oral hygiene. The small, rounded heads reach the furthest areas of the mouth, such as the back molars, covering the entire cleaning surface. In the case of children's toothbrushes, the brush head is smaller and more manageable for the little ones in the house.
Is there really a difference between toothbrushes? ›
“Some studies have shown that tapered or angled bristles are slightly more effective at reducing plaque than flat brushes,” Tang says. Whether you opt for a manual or an electric toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles. “Bristles that are too hard are more likely to cause damage to gums and enamel,” Tang says.
What do dentists think about U shaped toothbrushes? ›
However, if you are still concerned about your oral health condition and want to know if U-shaped toothbrushes work as effectively as a standard smart electric toothbrush, then U-shaped is not the best choice. Dentists have always recommended using an electric toothbrush over manual ones.
Is there DNA on a toothbrush? ›
Easy DNA collection
Another advantage of toothbrush DNA testing is that it can be used when an individual is deceased. The DNA can simply be collected from their used toothbrush. DNA may be needed to prove a biological relationship in the case of probate or will disputes.
For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel.
Can dentist tell if you brush your teeth? ›
Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don't brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard. Those who don't brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums.
How do people with ADHD brush their teeth? ›
Dental Care Tips For Patients With ADHD
Use highly stimulating educational material. Create an atmosphere of confidence with a gentle but firm approach. Repeat simplified instructions numerous times. Use a tooth brushing chart at home to keep track of the tooth brushing schedule.
What is the IQ test for autism? ›
Coplan recommends the comprehensive Test of Non-Verbal Intelligence (TONI), saying that children who do poorly on typical intelligence tests may do very well on the TONI. 4 The test looks more directly at what children know than other tests—not at how well children can use language to communicate what they know.
Which test confirms autism? ›
There are no medical tests, such as blood work or brain scans, for diagnosing Autism. An accurate medical diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual's communication, social interaction, and their activities and interests.
What type of toothbrush do dentists recommend? ›
The consensus recommendation is for people to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Replace toothbrushes every three to four months or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed. Either manual or powered toothbrushes can be used effectively.
What is the ideal toothbrush? ›
Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth.
How do I know what toothbrush to buy? ›
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toothbrush
A smaller head size can help maneuver around hard-to-reach areas, such as the back molars. Bristle type: As mentioned earlier, opt for soft bristles to protect your teeth and gums from damage. Soft bristles effectively clean without causing unnecessary abrasion.
What quality should a good tooth brush have? ›
It must be ergonomic, manufactured using quality materials, and it must adapt to the individual needs of each patient. Using a brush that is in poor condition can therefore cause lesions to enamel (brushing abrasion) and to gums (gingival recession)".
The Bass method of brushing is what we are taught to teach you guys. Start with your toothbrush bristles angled at about a 45 degree angle to your gums, and move your brush in very small back and forth motions (almost like you are trying to just vibrate your toothbrush). Most plaque likes to accumulate at the gum line (where your teeth and gums meet), so you want to really focus that area. You gently hold the brush against the teeth and gums, you do not press down which will lead to your brush having that flared appearance. Most of our patients have probably seen the Oral B electric brushes that we have for sale at the office. One of the awesome features of these is that if you push too hard while brushing the brush will actually let you know! It will glow red and slow down the spinning to try and prevent you from damaging your teeth. We love these Oral B brushes for many reasons, but this is a big one, and we often recommend them for patients who need to break their bad scrubbing habits. Speaking of the electric brush, you use a different technique with an electric brush than what is described above. Since it does the brushing for you, you simply move it around slowly and let it brush one tooth at a time.