Is Brushing Your Teeth Harmful?

We all know good oral hygiene is necessary to keep our teeth and mouth healthy and clean. If we were to never brush our teeth they'd decay and eventually fall out. So, how could brushing your teeth be harmful?

Is brushing your teeth harmful? Germs, germs, germs

Brushing in itself is not harmful, but there are certain aspects of brushing our teeth that can be harmful; for instance germs. It is true that we brush to remove germs from our mouths, but a lot of the time we're actually adding more germs to our mouths instead. How so?

The toothbrush is a germ magnet. We put it in our mouth where it gets covered in saliva and plaque, and is exposed to all sorts of bacteria that live in our mouths. When we're done brushing we rinse it off in water and place it back in the toothbrush container.

In the meantime we and other people in the house use the bathroom, while the toothbrush is drying out. Dust and debris float in the air and settle onto the toothbrush. If we spray air freshener in the bathroom, the mist will settle and often ends up on exposed toothbrushes.

There are many ways toothbrushes accumulate germs. All of these germs can make brushing your teeth harmful.

Is brushing your teeth harmful? Brushing too hard

The new electronic and battery operated toothbrushes help to eliminate this problem, but there are people who use traditional toothbrushes that brush too hard.

When you brush too hard it can scratch and cut open the gums, causing them to bleed. Germs and bacteria can settle into the sores and cuts and cause infections or pain in the mouth. Brushing too hard can make brushing your teeth harmful.

If you use a traditional toothbrush, brush in gentle circular motions, and if you use an electrical or battery operated toothbrush, do not press on the teeth too hard with the brush.

Is brushing your teeth harmful? How to take the best care of your mouth and teeth

We have to brush our teeth, so to prevent any harmful effects from brushing our teeth there are some things we can do.

Many people think that by keeping their toothbrush in a closed container that it will reduce the amount of germs that accumulate on it. This is not true. The article, Toothbrush Care Is Important advises, "Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers - a humid environment is more favorable to bacterial growth than the open air." Therefore, it is best to allow toothbrushes to air dry.

It's a good idea to sterilize toothbrushes every two weeks. You can do this by boiling the head of the toothbrush in water for about five minutes. You can also do this by soaking the toothbrush in 1 part bleach mixed with 10 parts water. Allow the toothbrush to soak for about ten minutes, then rinse well. Additionally you should replace your tooth brush every three months.

If you tend to brush your teeth too hard, purchase a toothbrush with soft bristles to help avoid cuts and scratches on the gums.

Although there are things that can make brushing your teeth harmful, if you follow these suggestions you can keep your toothbrush clean, protect your teeth and gums from damage, and have a clean and healthy mouth.

Sources:

A. Rahman Zamani, MD, MPH, Toothbrush Care Is Important, Education.com