Brushing and flossing on a regular basis is essential to preventing cavities. However, some people don’t realize that brushing too forcefully can make their teeth more vulnerable to decay. This is why the team at Athens Family Dental, in Clarke County, GA, stresses the importance of proper education. If you’re not sure how to brush effectively, ask the dentist for a demonstration. They’ll make sure you understand the proper method.

How Overbrushing Causes Cavities

Wearing Down Enamel

If you apply too much force while brushing your teeth, you’ll wear away the enamel, which is the hard surface portion. This leaves the less durable dental tissue more vulnerable to infection from bacteria. This makes decay more likely to occur.

To brush your teeth safely, use gentle force, move the brush in a circular motion, and most importantly, thoroughly clean every tooth. The brush and toothpaste don’t need a lot of extra help to clean away food and bacteria. You should focus more on being thorough and less on applying strong force.

Prevention Tips

Brushing is only one part of an effective cavity-prevention regimen. You also need to gently floss in between each tooth. Doing so cleans the dental surfaces your toothbrush can’t reach. To floss safely, remove a long stretch of floss, wrap it around two fingers, and gently slide it in the spaces between each tooth, using a clean section for each new space. If your gums bleed, you’re either using too much force or potentially suffering from gum disease. Schedule a visit with your dentist to find out if your gums are healthy.

To learn more about preventing cavities and brushing safely, visit Athens Family Dental. At this Clarke County, GA, dental clinic, you’ll be in the hands of experienced professionals who have served the area for more than a quarter of a century. They’ll gladly answer any questions you have about this topic. Contact them online to learn more about becoming a patient or call (706) 548-3279.