Beauty

[Retiredpsych]

Boomernichols....let the Sonicare do the work for you. It took me a while to master this. Just hold the brush against your teeth and slowing move from one quadrant to another.  It takes practice. 

[Fluke67]

I’ve done that, using a toothbrush that is too hard and brushing too aggressively. I abraded my gums by the molars decades ago. Ive been using a sonicare for the past decade and brush with my non dominant hand. The gums don’t regenerate much though. I’ve never heard of stem cell treatment for gums, will need to look into this.

[Nightowlz]

Yes you can over brush. My dentist years ago told me to stop brushing my teeth so much. He told me to brush twice per day which is what I do. I use those dental brushes or picks between my teeth if I eat something.

I had a problem with my enamel but mine was caused from eating lemons all the time.

[lmt]

My dentist told me years ago to stop brushing my teeth so hard, my gums were starting to recede. Thankfully, no damage was done, but when he told me to switch to a power toothbrush, I listened.

I love my Oral B power toothbrush and I would never go back to a regular brush. It has a pressure sensor so if I brush too hard a red warning light comes on. 

[FastDogWalker2]

Prior to adopting an electric toothbrush, I, too, brushed too vigorously and damaged my gums. I switched over to an electric brush and stopped damaging my gums.  A tough lesson...

[tsavorite]

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@Retiredpsych wrote:

I just got Invisalign clear braces.  I am required to brush my teeth 3 X a day (every time I take out the braces to eat and I can't put them back in without brushing any food and plaque, from my teeth and plaque from the braces). I have always used a WaterPic after brushing.  I will have to do this for 10-12 months. This dilemma has crossed my mind so this conversation hit home for me.  I have always used a SoniCare tooth brush. Religiously!!! obsessed with it.   Now, I have decided to only use it one time (at night) a day. Concerned that it is just too much for my gums and too much agitation for the attachments on my teeth...and now I am learning my enamel is in jeopardy!!   I purchased a very very soft regular tooth brush for the other times in the day. 

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Me too!  I am on tray #6....and like you this extra brushing has gotten me very concerned.  My dentist told me to wait 30mins after eating but by the time you eat and wait 30mins 3 times per day you wouldn't be wearing them the required 22hrs.  I do my best...maybe not 30mins but 20mins....and use a soft toothbrush.  I also like you only use my electric toothbrush at bedtime (1 time per day).  

I have a ways to go with invisalign....21 trays total....I want to protect my gums/enamel as best as possible.  I already have sensitive teeth don't need more issues.

Would love to know about the stem cell stuff D was talking about....missed that....gum surgery sounds so painful (cringing)!

[Peaches McPhee]

I have always been told to use a soft-bristled brush -- since forever.  Gentler on your teethc and gums, less damage, etc.  Makes me wonder why they even make firm brushes.