When it comes to dental health, many people tend to think more about their pearly whites than their gums. However, if you’re not also maintaining your connective tissues, you could be putting your smile at risk. For instance, did you know periodontal disease is the number one leading cause of tooth loss?
Unfortunately, this condition isn’t the only reason you might experience sore, inflamed, or tender gums. Continue reading to learn 3 ways you might accidentally be injuring the soft tissues in your mouth!
Concern #1: Brushing Aggressively
When it comes to scrubbing your teeth, there can be too much of a good thing. Yes, brushing and flossing twice daily can prevent cavities and gingivitis. That said, if you’re overly aggressive when you clean your mouth, you could inadvertently hurt your gums in the process. For instance, pressing too forcefully on your toothbrush can irritate the tissues holding your teeth in place. They might eventually start pulling away from your enamel to avoid the abrasion. This leaves more of your roots exposed, which increases the risk of decay, damage, and disease.
You can prevent this by deliberately reducing the amount of force you exert during your twice-daily dental hygiene routine. Many people also find that it helps to hold their toothbrush with just two or three fingers to ensure they don’t press too hard.
Concern #2: Flossing Incorrectly
Brushing is a great way to clean the outward-facing surfaces of your enamel, but flossing is the only way to clean between them and beneath your gumline for a thorough clean. If you’re using aggressive sawing motions to try to clear gunk from between your teeth, though, you could be doing more harm than good.
You can avoid injuring your tissues by softly sliding the floss between your teeth slowly, then carefully gliding it back and forth in a C-shape. Avoid shoving the glossy string beneath the gumline into the socket, which can cut or bruise the tissues. Instead, try to ease it below the surface for a gentler approach.
Concern #3: Store-Bought Teeth Whitening
Even if you’re dedicated to your oral hygiene regimen, years of eating dark foods and drinks like berries, wine, coffee, or tea can tint your teeth a deeper shade. Many patients opt for over-the-counter whitening products to try to lighten their smiles, only to end up with inflamed gums.
This may be partly because these products often contain more diluted bleaching agents that aren’t as effective as the solutions your dentist has access to. If you’re struggling to see a result, you might overapply or misuse the product. If too much of it gets on your connective tissues, you they can become swollen or irritated. It’s usually safer to consult your dentist for professional teeth whitening options that are designed to minimize potential discomfort.
Fortunately, regular flossing helps your gums become more resilient, so you’re less likely to develop an issue!
About the Practice
At BridgeMill Dental Care, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. Candon, Dr. Carver, and Dr. Squatrito collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including gum disease treatments. They take the time to get to know you so they can tailor treatment plans to your unique needs. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to help you feel comfortable while they deliver long-lasting, accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (803) 650-3925.