{"id":14234,"date":"2022-10-28T19:01:51","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T19:01:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/?p=14234"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:39:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:39:25","slug":"how-to-tell-if-you-are-brushing-your-teeth-too-hard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/2022\/10\/28\/how-to-tell-if-you-are-brushing-your-teeth-too-hard\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard? Here\u2019s How You Can Tell"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Picture2-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"Patient looking at frayed toothbrush\" class=\"wp-image-14235\" width=\"290\" height=\"194\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Picture2-1024x687.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Picture2-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Picture2-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Picture2.jpg 1430w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Do you go into autopilot the moment you pick up your toothbrush? Sadly, this can result in unhealthy habits, like applying too much pressure. Since this can lead to everything from sensitive teeth to receding gums, it\u2019s crucial that you aren\u2019t brushing your teeth too hard. Keep reading to learn the #1 sign that you are as well as the proper technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The #1 Sign You\u2019re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a sign that you\u2019re brushing your teeth too hard, then take a look at your toothbrush. Are the bristles frayed and worn down? Then you\u2019re probably applying too much pressure. Remember, you don\u2019t need to squash the bristles against your teeth to effectively remove food particles and debris!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To: Brush Your Teeth Properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Brushing your teeth properly starts with the right supplies, including a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Naturally, the right technique is important too. Here are a few tips to help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Brush at a 45-degree-angle, cleaning along your gumline in the process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Move in small circular motions, not back and forth across your teeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take the full two minutes to clean each tooth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replace your toothbrush every three to four months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 Additional Oral Hygiene Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A proper brushing technique is a great place to start. To keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy, you should also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consistently floss and rinse with mouthwash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit your dentist every six months for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/dental-checkups-cleanings.html\">dental checkup and cleaning<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages, including candy and soda<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and using your teeth as tools to open things<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Since brushing too hard can result in numerous oral health problems, from sensitive teeth to receding gums, it\u2019s important to avoid this unhealthy dental habit altogether. If you do notice that the bristles on your toothbrush are beginning to fray, then make an active effort to use less force when completing your oral hygiene regimen. It\u2019s also a good idea to prioritize your six-month dental checkups so your dentist can periodically examine your teeth, intervening in the early stages if something problematic does arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Westgate Dental Care is proud to have seven exceptional dental professionals in-house. Not only does this mean that all of your dental needs can be taken care of at our conveniently located office in Arlington Heights, but it also means you can turn to the same familiar, friendly, and welcoming faces time and time again. If you have a question about proper oral hygiene techniques or are overdue for your six-month checkup, don\u2019t hesitate to schedule an appointment via our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/contact.html\">website<\/a> or by phone at <strong>(847) 908-3684<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you go into autopilot the moment you pick up your toothbrush? Sadly, this can result in unhealthy habits, like applying too much pressure. Since this can lead to everything from sensitive teeth to receding gums, it\u2019s crucial that you aren\u2019t brushing your teeth too hard. Keep reading to learn the #1 sign that you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14234","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard? | Westgate Dental Care<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Forceful brushing doesn\u2019t mean more effective brushing. In fact, you should avoid applying too much pressure. Here\u2019s how to tell if you are!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/2022\/10\/28\/how-to-tell-if-you-are-brushing-your-teeth-too-hard\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard? | Westgate Dental Care\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Forceful brushing doesn\u2019t mean more effective brushing. In fact, you should avoid applying too much pressure. 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