Gum Damage

Teeth and your health connection

One of the benefits of a soft toothbrush is that it does not damage the gums. “A rigorous brushing routine,” says Dr. Denine Rice, “damages the gums.” Gum’s that are brushed too hard become sensitive and can begin to recede.  Gum recession is the process of your gums pulling back from the teeth. As more of your tooth becomes exposed, you run the risk of losing your teeth because the gums are like a pocket that securely keeps your teeth in place.

         When you are brushing your teeth you should gently brush the teeth in a circular motion. Each quadrant should take about thirty to forty seconds. It is not recommended that you brush your gums, because you can cause damage to them.  While you are flossing, Dr. Rice suggests, “Gently glide the floss between the teeth. You do not want to push or force floss between your teeth because this can cut the gums.”  Food begins to build up between the teeth at every meal and will stay there until you floss. The longer that food builds up on the gums the more time that bacteria has to attack the gums and the enamel of the teeth.

         You only have one set of gums and the damage you do to them is most of the time irreversible. Damaged gums become susceptible to bacteria while pocket depths increase between the gums and the teeth.  Brushing and flossing twice a day can help remove plague from the teeth.