ONE of the first things we were taught as a child was the importance of brushing our teeth.
True Malaysians would know the “bangun pagi, gosok gigi” song all too well.
However, what most people don’t know is “berapa kali? (how often?)”. Is there such a thing as overbrushing your teeth?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
Some people go further and brush after every meal or before a meeting or a date to freshen up.
Although it’s not necessarily bad, overbrushing – when brushing your teeth too much, too long or too aggressively – ultimately damages your teeth.
Overbrushing can lead to tooth enamel wearing down and damage to your gums, which can cause your pearly whites to become sensitive and prone to cavities.
How do you know if you have been overbrushing without knowing it? — It’s all about the technique and tools.
It’s best to think about brushing your teeth as a gentle “massage” rather than “scrubbing” them like you would the grills of your barbecue pit.
If you’ve just eaten, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before you brush.
This is so the PH balance in your mouth would return to normal making it less likely for the acids to damage your enamel when your mouth is vulnerable.
When it comes to toothbrushes, replacing them when they wear out is crucial to avoid overbrushing.
Dentists recommend replacing toothbrushes every six months, or sooner if they wear out faster.
This is because degraded bristles will make them highly abrasive and not at all safe for your teeth. So much so that brushing twice a day with it can be too much!
Next, using a toothbrush with soft bristles is the best choice as they are nicer to your teeth but just as effective as the firmer versions.
As they say, too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
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