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Brushing your teeth too hard and for longer than is necessary
may cause permanent damage and may not even make teeth any
cleaner, according to a study.
Researchers found that when people brushed their teeth longer
and pressed harder during brushing, the removal of harmful
bacteria only improved to a point. Beyond that point, the
risk of problems, such as the abrasion of tooth enamel or
gums, increased.
The ideal brushing time was two minutes and the ideal pressure
was 150 grams, which is about the weight of an orange, researchers
said.
Experts say that it is difficult for people to gauge how
much pressure they should apply while brushing. The study
used electric toothbrushes, though researchers say the results
would likely hold up if the study used ordinary toothbrushes.
The four-week study involved 12 participants who were trained
to use an electric toothbrush, which was hooked up to a computer
that measured time and pressure. The participants brushed
their teeth using various combinations of time and pressure.
Researchers found that levels of plaque, the bacteria-containing
substance that forms on teeth and can cause problems such
as gingivitis and periodontal disease, improved when brushing
time and pressure were increased. However, when people brushed
for longer than two minutes using pressure higher than 150
grams, no additional plaque was removed.
Researchers recommended that people talk to a dentist or
dental hygienist is they are uncertain about the proper way
to brush their teeth, or need advice on the correct size,
shape and consistency of their toothbrush.
They also mentioned that people should avoid scrubbing teeth,
floss or use interdental toothbrushes regularly to reach areas
toothbrushes can’t, and brush teeth thoroughly at least
once a day.
EurekAlert
June 18, 2003
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