Maybe you are someone who brushes your smile very hard and we’ve mentioned that you shouldn’t. Perhaps you’re someone who thinks you brush too softly and that maybe it’s time to put a little more force into it. Maybe you think occasional, vigorous brushing will lend some sort of benefits to your dental hygiene session. As it turns out, there’s not a good thing to be said about brushing hard. Instead, it can leave you disappointed and with oral health problems. Let’s explore!

#1: It Won’t Help Erase Stains

It stands to reason, of course, that the harder you scrub, the cleaner you can get your teeth. The cleaner your teeth are, the whiter they will appear. Right? Not exactly. You can’t brush away all of your stains (only a very small percentage, which rest on your tooth surfaces and which respond to gentle brushing). If you need stain removal, you need cosmetic care.

#2: It Will Lead To Gum Recession

Hard brushing will hurt your oral health by upsetting your gums. As you brush hard instead of gently, your gum tissue starts pulling back. This is called gum recession. It exposes a greater amount of your tooth tissue (which is meant to be covered and protected). The result? A lot of sensitivity and an unsightly smile change.

#3: It’s Damaging, Not Helpful

In addition to receding gums, hard brushing can damage your oral health in other ways. You’ll end up abrading your enamel because, though it’s strong, it’s vulnerable to scraping and erosion. Avoid weakened, stripped, decayed teeth by using a soft hand.