TUCSON, Ariz. — Keeping your teeth in good shape is a big part of our health and it takes some effort, but there is such a thing as too much effort. Dr. Jeff Martin, with Martin Taylor Dentistry, said sometimes people over-brush - brushing too hard on their dominant side.
"So if you're right handed, you really sometime abrade the tissue on the right-hand side. And when you turn the toothbrush around, you can't brush as hard on the other side. So we'll see notches in the teeth and some gum recession. So people are brushing too hard," said Martin.
Soft toothbrushes are the way to go. Brush gently and for two full minutes. The harder you brush doesn't necessarily mean the healthier your teeth can be.
"The bristles were too hard in the past. When I was a kid, the thing was the hardest toothbrush you can get. Even though they're trying to do the best thing, sometimes they were not. So people really would abrade root surfaces and abrade their gum tissue up," said Martin.
Martin said as long as you stick to soft and gentle techniques, both manual and electric toothbrushes will work for you.
Its best to visit your dentist every six months for a check up and a proper cleaning. And, of course, do not forget to floss. Martin advice the newer water picks are a good investment.
