“Don’t forget to brush your teeth” we’ve all heard this phrase before ever since our permanent teeth started to grow… But should we brush our teeth all the time? Did you know that brushing your teeth after certain meals can damage your teeth?
Here are a few reasons why too much dental care can be harmful for you:
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Stop Brushing Your Teeth Too Much:
Your teeth will just suffer if you start brushing them too much. Excessive brushing will just cause tooth enamel erosion and extreme tooth sensitivity therefore exposing sensitive nerves to food and drinks and causing tooth aches. Be reasonable when you brush your teeth and don’t exceed 2 minutes in the brushing process. Make sure you use a soft bristle brush and special tooth paste (like Sensodyne) if you have sensitive teeth and gums.
“Whitening” toothpaste is a quick way of damaging your teeth:
Of course you dream of teeth as white as pearls; but it may turn into a nightmare as bleaching agents in tooth whiteners may damage your enamel. These toothpastes are abrasive as they contain tiny particles which remove stains by scratching the surface of your enamel alongside peroxide and bleaching agents which can be harsh on your gums. Consult your dentist before using teeth whiteners and for over the counter products, use them only 2-3 times a month.
Do NOT brush your teeth after meals:
If you brush your teeth within 30 minutes of eating, the brushing can just help the acid in your meals to attack your teeth. According to the NY Times:
“Acid attacks the teeth, eroding enamel and the layer below it, called dentin. Brushing can accelerate this process, said Dr. Howard R. Gamble, president of the Academy of General Dentistry. “With brushing, you could actually push the acid deeper into the enamel and the dentin,”
Your toothbrush is a germ factory
You toothbrush is a tool that may cause your sudden death. Yes, don’t get shocked. If you leave your toothbrush out without disinfecting it or covering it, it is likely to be a land of billions of bacteria that may cause chronic infections, heart disease and many other diseases. Make sure you place your tooth brush 5 meters away from your toilet, and cover it after use.
All on all, moderation is the key word of keeping your teeth safe and naturally it will avoid too many visits to your dentist.
