If your teeth are sensitive, you may be brushing too hard or using the wrong toothbrush. When it comes to brushing your teeth, the proper technique should be practiced. If you brush your teeth too hard or use the wrong toothbrush for your mouth, it can damage your teeth and gums, leading to receding gums and enamel wear.  Sometimes people feel the need to brush aggressively, thinking that is the only way they can get their teeth to feel clean and look white.

Doing this is counterproductive. It causes the gums to recede, but also wears away the white glossy enamel on the teeth and then they look yellow and darker. If this happens, you are at risk of developing sensitive teeth. 

If you are unsure if you are brushing too hard, look at your toothbrush.  If you have been using it for three months or less, it should still appear relatively new.  If it is flat and beat up, that is a sign you are brushing way too hard.  

Brushing Your Teeth The Right Way

Changing your hard-brushing ways can be difficult, but it is possible.  Follow these simple tips to help brush properly.  

Use A Soft Bristled Toothbrush

Find one with the ADA seal, and replace it every three months or sooner if signs of fraying at present. Foley Best Family Dentist AL 

45-Degree Angle. 

Keep your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. The bristles will reach and clean underneath your gumline. Gently move the brush back and forth using short, tooth-wide strokes.  Clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.  If you use an electric toothbrush, let it do the work. Just lightly glide it all over your teeth instead of pushing it against them. For a gentle grip, swap to your non-dominant hand. Foley Best Family Dentist AL 

The ADA-Approved Way of Brushing Your Teeth