Have you been told that you need to change the way you brush because you are damaging your teeth?
If so, I would disagree. I don't believe there is a toothbrush sold in America today that is capable of damaging your teeth. Your teeth are the hardest substance in your body. And just think about all the lawsuits that would be flying around if Crest or Colgate were manufacturing toothbrushes that damaged teeth.
Another reason...
What I'm talking about here are those "notches" that occur on the teeth at the gumline. You can usually feel them with your fingernail. Sometimes they may be sensitive to hot or cold. Dentists used to believe that improper toothbrushing was wearing down the enamel and creating these "notches".
Not so. What really causes these notches is from grinding your teeth, or having an improper bite. Having an improper bite or grinding your teeth causes micro-flexing of the teeth. This micro-flexing stresses the teeth where they meet the gums. Enamel then begins to microscopically splinter away and over time a "notch" is created.
These notches are a sign of a bigger problem. An improper bite is the leading cause of TMJ problems. These problems can lead to loss of teeth, jaw pain, jaw popping and clicking, chronic headaches, migraine headaches, soreness in the neck and back and many others.
If you have this notching at the gumline, consider asking your dentist about it.
It is very an informative post! I never thought that there is a deep explanation to this. I learned important facts today. Thank you.
If you fell that your tooth brush damaging your teeth, It's better that you replace it now. Look for a tooth brush that soft and cannot damage your teeth.
Charlotte Dentist,
That is the point of the post. That toothbrushes really aren't the culprit in this type of tooth damage. I don't think there is a toothbrush made today that will damage the teeth. Could you imagine the lawsuits against the toothbrush manufacturer if there were such a thing?
I guess this will help people understand that how they brush doesn't only affect your teeth, but also your gums.