You are constantly told how important it is that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. In doing so, you remove plaque and other bacteria from your teeth that could result in cavities. The end result is a healthy, beautiful smile that you can be proud of. However, many people think that plaque is incredibly difficult to remove from their teeth, so they brush harshly to try to remove it. Unfortunately, this does more harm than good. When you brush too aggressively, you may actually wear down the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to a number of oral health issues in the long run. Here are three symptoms that you may be brushing too hard.

1. Your Gums Are Bleeding

One of the most commons signs that you are brushing your teeth too hard is bleeding gums. Many people believe that bleeding gums is completely normal during the tooth brushing process, but it is not. In fact, bleeding gums is typically a symptom of a condition known as gingivitis as well as poor oral hygiene. However, it is also a sign of aggressive brushing.

If you are regularly brushing your teeth and notice that your gums are red, swollen and bleeding, then try brushing your teeth a bit more gently. You may also try switching to a brush with softer bristles.

2. Your Gums Are Receding

There are many reasons why your gums may recede, but aggressive brushing is one of them. When you brush too hard, you damage the gum tissue, which causes the tissue to recede backward. When this happens, your teeth will become sensitive and your gums will become, red, swollen and tender. Your teeth will also appear longer.

3. Your Teeth Are Sensitive

Tooth enamel is in place to brighten your smile and protect your teeth. However, if you are brushing your teeth too hard, then you are brushing that enamel away. In doing so, you are exposing the dentin underneath, and this dentin is very sensitive. As a result, you will experience an increase in oral sensitivity.

You may also experience sensitivity due to gum recession. This is because your tooth root is now exposed since your gums are no longer covering it. This not only leads to an increased sensitivity, but it also puts you at an increased risk for cavities.

If you believe that you have been brushing your teeth too hard and you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, talk to a dental services professional. 

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