You may be tempted to brush your teeth hard. Contrary to popular belief, brushing too hard can do more harm than good. It can cause serious tooth damage and sensitivity. It’s a lot easier to brush too hard with a manual toothbrush than with an electric toothbrush.
Therefore, if you have a tendency to do so, you may be better off with an electric toothbrush. No matter what you decide, be sure to brush at a 45 degree angle on your gums with a soft bristled brush. Let’s dive deeper into what can happen if you overbrush as well as the pros and cons of manual and electric toothbrushes.
Dangers of Overbrushing
Over time, brushing too hard can cause your gums to recede. This can lead to sensitivity as well as pain and discomfort. Speaking of sensitivity, sensitive teeth are also likely if overburshing wears down the enamel of your teeth. In addition, brushing too hard can cause your teeth to become a darker shade underneath your gums. This may occur because root surfaces are free of enamel. If your gums begin to reside, your teeth will likely appear less white than they used to be.
Pros and Cons of an Electric Toothbrush
The greatest advantage of an electric toothbrush is that it’s easy to use. It might also come with a built-in timer so you don’t have to worry about overburshing. If you have traditional metal braces, an electric toothbrush might be easier as it can help you keep them clean thanks to the vibrating feature. Studies also show that electric toothbrushes tend to remove more plaque than their manual counterparts.
The downside of an electric toothbrush is that it can be expensive. Depending on the type you buy, you may spend up to $200. You’ll also have to purchase new brush heads every few months. Electric toothbrushes also come with extra gadgets which can be problematic if you’re an avid traveler or short on space.
Pros and Cons of a Manual Toothbrush
Not only are manual toothbrushes affordable, you can get them free of charge every time you go to the dentist for your six month exam and cleaning. If you need a new manual toothbrush and don’t have an upcoming appointment, you can always swing by your local drugstore and pick one up for a couple of dollars.
Since manual toothbrushes are simple and don’t come with extra gadgets, they can make your life easier. As long as you follow our brushing recommendations, you’ll be able to keep your teeth just as healthy as you would with an electric toothbrush.
The drawback of a manual toothbrush is that it requires more work. You’ll have to put in some effort and use the right back and forth motion to make sure your teeth and gums are cleaned thoroughly. As we already mentioned, a manual toothbrush can also damage your gums and teeth if you overbrush.
Schedule an Appointment at Tryon Family Dentistry
For more information on healthy brushing habits, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office. Call us at 919-249-6799 today! We look forward to hearing from you!
