Everyone wants nice, pearly whites so, naturally, we should brush our teeth more, right? The only problem with that is many people brush their teeth too aggressively, leading to gums receding or pulling away from teeth. 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 misunderstanding we hear occasionally at Kenneth Hovden DDS is the idea that if you want to whiten your teeth, you should scrub them really hard.
The best way to get pearly whites (and prevent cavities) 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 careful to (gently) get the floss down into the pocket between the tooth and gum.
Why?
Brushing longer and not harder is the key. When you brush your teeth swiftly, you may not be getting all the bits of food off. You don’t want the fragments of food to turn into plaque.
If you truly desire whiter teeth, make 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 re-harden 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 cause decay. Plus, if the gums continue to recede, the tooth can become loose.
Next, we discussed the correct 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 Kenneth Hovden DDS. We can address your options for reversing it.
What If You Want Your Teeth Whiter Than Whitening Toothpaste Can Make Them?
Whitening toothpaste 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 Kenneth Hovden DDS:
650-755-6000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015
