Brushing our teeth to keep them clean is something we do daily. If it causes us pain or distress, we may hesitate from brushing properly or worse we may discontinue cleaning our teeth completely. This is not something your dentist would want. Also, it could cause more damage to your teeth and lead to a downfall in your oral health.

So, what has to be done? This question can be answered easily by your dentist after performing a simple check of your teeth. Under normal circumstances brushing your teeth must not cause any pain. However, if there is discomfort or bleeding while brushing there may be some underlying cause for it.

This blog will help solve your queries and help with a few solutions which can make brushing your teeth a pleasant experience.

Why does it hurt while brushing teeth?

There are many reasons why your teeth brushing habits may cause pain and a few of them are listed below:

• Overbrushing: People generally think that if they brush their teeth more frequently and with greater force it will be more effective. However, this is far from the truth as brushing aggressively can lead to damage to the teeth and gums.
• Using the wrong toothbrush: If you use a brush that is not correct for your teeth it may cause problems in the long run. If the bristles are ultra soft, they will not clean the surfaces sufficiently. If they are too hard, they will abrade the surface of your teeth leading to abrasion of enamel and causing sensitivity in the future. They may lead to wedge shaped cavities near the gums as well.
• Not brushing for enough time: Every person must brush their teeth for a period of 2 minutes. This time includes covering all surfaces and cleaning of the tongue. If you are brushing for a lesser duration, you may definitely miss cleaning certain areas or surfaces.
• Improper brushing technique: Most people are unaware that they are not brushing in the correct manner. The back teeth must be cleaned in a cyclic motion whereas the front teeth must be cleaned with the brush kept at 45 degrees and with a sweeping motion.
• Brushing after meals: Immediately after consuming food, you may think it's a good idea to brush your teeth to remove the food particles. This is not advised and must be avoided. In the meal you may have consumed acidic food items that could lead to softening of the enamel. If you brush immediately it may cause this softened enamel to get eroded away. This would mean that you are losing the protective covering over your teeth.
  
  
  
• Ignoring oral hygiene: Just as overbrushing can cause problems so can avoiding brushing! Brushing your teeth twice a day is a necessity and must be part of your daily routine. It is easy to forget to brush at night and this can cause food to remain over your teeth and tongue overnight leading to increased risk of cavities and other dental issues.
• Gum infection: If teeth are not cleaned properly for a long period of time it may lead to accumulation of tartar and cause gum infection. Gum infection may lead to swelling and bleeding around the teeth. This is especially observed after brushing as the toothbrush may touch these swollen gums. Bad odour from the mouth may also be noticed due to the accumulation of pus.
• Tooth wear: Grinding teeth at night or malaligned teeth or jaws may lead to excessive wear down of the teeth causing sensitivity while brushing the teeth. The exposed dentin underneath the enamel is disturbed while brushing the teeth. This causes a sharp and often unpleasant sensation which may even be described as painful.

How to avoid pain while brushing teeth?

There are certain ways in which you can protect your teeth from ache or discomfort while brushing.

• Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes with a soft to medium bristled brush.
• Use floss and mouthwash as adjuncts to routine oral hygiene.
• Avoid using hard bristled or ultra soft brushes.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
• Do not forget brushing at night.
• Do not brush your teeth immediately after meals, you can gargle with water instead.
• Consult your dentist in case of swelling or bleeding from gums.
• Use a desensitizing paste in case your teeth are very sensitive.
• Ask your dentist to demonstrate or explain the correct brushing technique.
• Get your teeth cleaned professionally at a dental clinic every 6 months.
• Use a nightguard to prevent teeth grinding.
• Ensure you clean your tongue as part of your teeth brushing routine.
• Get cavities filled and checked regularly at the dental office.
• Do not ignore dental ache and seek solution urgently.

Key information related to teeth brushing

Item	Type	Key Features	Recommended Usage
Toothbrush	Manual	Soft bristles, ergonomic handle	Twice daily, replace every 3 months
Toothbrush	Electric	Rotating head, timer, rechargeable	Twice daily, replace head every 3 months
Toothpaste	Fluoride	Strengthens enamel, prevents cavities	Use pea-sized amount per brushing
Toothpaste	Whitening	Removes surface stains, may contain peroxide	Not for sensitive teeth, avoid overuse
Toothpaste	Sensitivity Relief	Contains potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride	Daily use for sensitive teeth
Toothpaste	Natural/Herbal	No fluoride, contains natural ingredients	For those avoiding synthetic chemicals

To Summarize:

Brushing teeth causes ache only if done incorrectly or due to some underlying pathology. If you are facing any problems while brushing it is better not to ignore them. Book an appointment with a reputable dental clinic having a skilled dentist that can help solve your queries and give an appropriate solution. One such clinic in Mumbai having multiple branches at different locations is Signature Smiles clinic. They have a well-equipped team and modern dental tools that make your treatment experience positive and comfortable.

So, stop avoiding that visit to the dental clinic and book an appointment today to get all your questions on toothbrushing answered effectively. Till then keep brushing your teeth regularly and keep those pearly whites sparkling and healthy!