Tooth brushing Cannot Damage Teeth or Gums
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  People have mistakenly been given the impression that tooth brushing can damage teeth (notches at the gum line), cause receding gums, or other harmful changes.  Even a hard toothbrush cannot damage teeth.

    An article published years ago very clearly discussed the cause for such problems - which is NOT tooth brushing, but people (including many dental professionals) still are under the impression that tooth brushing can damage teeth/gums.

    For those interested, the article is:  "On The Longevity Of Teeth", Gene McCoy, DDS, Oral Implantology, Vol. XI, No. 2, pp. 248-267, 1983.

    Notches at the gum line are called abfractions and can be found in societies and cultures where no toothbrushes exist, they can be found below the gum line - not accessible by a toothbrush, and even in teeth where people don't brush well.

    Abfractions are caused by biting forces on teeth that are excessive for many years.

    Excessive biting force is also one of two main reasons people have receding gums (the other reason is destructive plaque germs).

    The recommended brushing method is and has been side to side (not up/down, not circular) for over 25 years - this is called the modified Bass method.

    A soft toothbrush is recommended because the critical area to clean is at the gum line, and a soft toothbrush makes it easier to brush a long time at/on the gums (see our favorite products).

    All dentists and hygienists agree that the most important factor in effective tooth brushing is how long you brush (see about dry brushing).

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Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC http://www.drsklar.com Family and General Dentistry 4901 Seminary Road, Suite 120 Alexandria, VA 22311 Tel: 703-931-3141 Fax:703-845-1512 email: office@drsklar.com

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