Brushing your teeth regularly is one of the keys to maintaining oral hygiene and health. However, there is a myth that brushing too hard can damage the enamel, the protective layer of the teeth. The question is, can brushing too hard really harm your teeth, or is it just a myth?
Impact of Brushing Too Hard
In fact, brushing your teeth with excessive pressure can indeed lead to damage to the tooth enamel. Enamel is the outermost and hardest layer of the teeth, serving to protect them from damage caused by chewing, extreme temperatures, and acidic substances from food and beverages. Although strong, enamel can wear away if subjected to excessive pressure, including from brushing too hard.
According to Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., a lecturer in the Department of Periodontology at FKG UGM, brushing too hard can erode the enamel layer, making teeth more vulnerable to damage, such as sensitivity and acid erosion. “Brushing does not need to be hard but should be done with the correct and gentle technique.”
Incorrect brushing techniques, such as using harsh movements or brushing quickly in one direction, can cause damage to the gums. “This can lead to gum recession, where the gum tissue gradually pulls back and exposes the tooth roots. As a result, teeth become more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and increase the risk of tooth infections,” Suryono said.
How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly
To keep your tooth enamel intact and maintain oral health, here are some tips for brushing your teeth correctly:
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard bristles can accelerate enamel wear and irritate the gums.
- Gentle Circular Motion: Use a gentle circular motion when brushing your teeth, avoiding hard pressure or harsh back-and-forth movements.
- Brush for Two Minutes: Ideally, brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Make sure to brush every surface of your teeth, including the backs and chewing surfaces.
- Pay Attention to Gum Areas: When brushing, angle the toothbrush at 45 degrees toward the gum line to clean plaque that may accumulate at the junction of the teeth and gums.
Using the Right Toothpaste
Selain teknik menyikat gigi yang benar, pemilihan pasta gigi juga penting. Sebaiknya, gunakan pasta gigi yang mengandung fluoride untuk membantu memperkuat enamel gigi dan melawan kerusakan akibat asam. Menggosok gigi terlalu keras memang dapat merusak enamel dan menyebabkan masalah gigi lainnya seperti gigi sensitif atau kerusakan gusi. Penting untuk menyikat gigi dengan teknik yang benar, menggunakan sikat gigi yang lembut, dan tidak memberi tekanan berlebihan saat menyikat. Hal ini turut mendukung Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (SDGs) tujuan ke-3 Kesehatan dan Kesejahteraan yang Baik, tujuan ke-4 Pendidikan Berkualitas, dan tujuan ke-12 Konsumsi dan Produksi yang Bertanggungjawab.
Author: Rizky Budi H. | Photo : Freepik
