English
Everyone wants nice, pearly whites so, naturally, we should brush our teeth more, right? The only dilemma with that is many people brush their teeth too aggressively, leading to gum recession. You don’t want that.
Gum recession is when your gum line exposes more of your teeth, or in severe cases, your tooth root. It leads to a pocket of space between your teeth and gum line. Decay-causing bacteria can grow and fester in that pocket. This leads to serious issues down the line. Even tooth loss.
Longer or Harder?
A common fallacy we hear occasionally at Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Altos CA is the idea that if you want to lighten your teeth, you should scrub them really hard.
The best way to get pearly whites (and prevent decay) is to brush longer, not harder. Gently brush your teeth until they’re squeaky clean. Run your tongue over them. Doesn’t that feel great?
When you are finished brushing, it’s time to floss. Be sure to get the floss down into the pocket between the gum and teeth.
Why?
Brushing longer and not harder is the key. When you brush your teeth quickly, you may not be getting all the particles of food off. You don’t want the particles of food to turn into plaque.
If you truly desire whiter teeth, be sure you brush your teeth in a slow, circular motion for as close to five minutes as you can. Methodically go over each tooth on every surface. Plus your tongue. If five minutes is impossible, make sure you brush for at least two minutes. Set a timer on your phone. Play your favorite two-minute song.
Use a whitening toothpaste with fluoride. That way, you get all the recent gunk off and your teeth get a little bit whiter each time you brush. And the fluoride helps your teeth remineralize after eating or drinking enamel-weakening acidic foods and beverages.
Let’s Review
If you’re not careful, the way you brush your teeth can lead to gum recession. Gum recession can (and most likely will) cause a space to form between your teeth and gum line. This pocket collects bacteria. Bacteria causes decay. Plus, if the gums continue to recede, the tooth can become loose.
Next, we discussed the proper motion and duration to brush your teeth. Finally, we went over the reasoning behind why all the aforementioned things are so important. Remember, you want a slow, circular motion for two to five minutes.
What If You Already Have Gum Recession?
Come talk to us at Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Altos CA. We can discuss your options for reversing it.
What If You Want Your Teeth Whiter Than Whitening Toothpaste Can Make Them?
Whitening toothpastes can make your teeth a shade or two lighter. Professional teeth bleaching can make your teeth several shades whiter. In one visit, you can have a stunning white smile.
Contact Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry
(650) 948-5524
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
99 3rd St
Los Altos, California
94022