Quick Answer: Yes, you should definitely brush your gums every time you brush your teeth. Gently brushing where your teeth meet the gums helps remove plaque and prevents gum disease. However, you must use a soft touch. Brushing too hard can lead to receding gums and sensitivity. Aim for a 45-degree angle toward the gum line and use gentle, circular motions for the best results.
Now let’s get into the details!
Most of us have been taught to brush our teeth twice a day since we were toddlers. We focus on getting those pearly whites sparkling, but many people overlook the very thing holding those teeth in place: the gums. Dentists often see patients who have excellent teeth but struggling gums. The truth is, your oral health depends on more than just enamel. If you want to keep your smile for a lifetime, you need to learn the “hidden secret” of brushing your gums correctly.
When brushing my teeth, should I brush my Gums too?
The short answer is yes. When you use your fluoride toothpaste, you aren’t just cleaning the hard surfaces of your teeth. You are also trying to clear away a sticky film called plaque. Plaque loves to hide right at the “margin” where the tooth meets the gum.
If you don’t brush this area, the plaque stays there. Over time, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. This can cause gum inflammation and bleeding. And ultimately, gum disease. By gently massaging the gums with your brush, you clear away bacteria before they can cause trouble.
Does brushing your gums make the gums (and teeth) tighter?
There is a common myth that “scrubbing” your gums will make them tougher or “tighter” around the teeth. This isn’t quite how it works. Healthy gums are naturally firm and pink. They fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck jumper.
When you have gum disease, your gums become swollen and loose. As a result, the fibres attaching your gums to the teeth and jawbones get damaged. This results in the formation of “pockets” around the teeth, which promote further food impaction and bacterial penetration.
By brushing correctly and keeping the area clean, the inflammation goes down. As the swelling subsides, your gums will feel firmer and “tighter” because they are returning to their healthy, natural state. It’s not that you are “toughening” them up; you are simply allowing them to heal.
Can brushing my gums too hard cause them to recede?
This is a very important point. While you need to clean your gums, you must be gentle. The tissue that makes up your gums is delicate. If you use too much pressure or a hard-bristled brush, you can actually wear the tissue away. a soft-bristle toothbrush for optimal teeth cleaning.
This is called gum recession. Once gums recede, they do not grow back on their own. Receding gums expose the roots of your teeth and gums, which can cause sharp pain when you eat or drink something cold. As recommended by the NHS, always use a soft-bristled brush and let the bristles do the work. You don’t need to “scrub” like you’re cleaning a kitchen floor.
Will my gums get stronger if I brush more?
Brushing more often than twice a day doesn’t necessarily make your gums “stronger.” In fact, brushing four or five times a day might do more harm than good by irritating the tissue.
The goal isn’t strength; it’s cleanliness. To support your gums, you should focus on a balanced routine:
- Brush your teeth and gums for two minutes, twice a day.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
- Make sure to clean between your teeth every single day.
Cleaning between the teeth (using floss or interdental brushes) is actually what does the most “heavy lifting” for gum strength, as it removes the bacteria that live in the gaps where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Should a toothbrush touch the gums?
Absolutely. In fact, most dentists recommend the “Bass Technique.” This involves holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so the bristles slightly slide under the gum line.
You shouldn’t just “touch” the gums; you should give them a very gentle massage. This stimulates blood flow to the tissue and ensures that the “pocket” between the tooth and gum stays free of food debris. Just remember: it’s a tickle, not a scrub!
Are electric toothbrushes bad for your gums?
Quite the opposite! Most modern electric toothbrushes are much better for your gums than manual ones. Many electric brushes have “pressure sensors.” If you press too hard, a light flashes or the brush slows down to protect your gums.
Because the head vibrates or rotates thousands of times per minute, you don’t need to move your hand back and forth aggressively. You simply glide the brush along the teeth and gums, and it does the cleaning for you. Powered toothbrushes are particularly useful for physically or mentally challenged individuals who lack the dexterity to brush their teeth optimally with a manual toothbrush.
How to deep clean my gums at home?
You might see “deep cleaning” kits online, but be careful. A true “deep clean” (known as scaling and root planing) should only be done by a dental professional. Trying to use metal tools at home can cause infections or permanent damage.
However, you can improve your home routine to get a “deeper” clean:
- Interdental Brushes: These are often better than floss for cleaning the gaps.
- Water Flossers: These use a stream of water to flush out bacteria from under the gum line.
- Antiseptic Mouthwash: Using a fluoride or antimicrobial rinse can help kill bacteria in hard-to-reach places.
- Spit, Don’t Rinse: After brushing with fluoride toothpaste, spit out the bubbles but don’t rinse with water. This keeps the protective fluoride on your teeth and gums for longer.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
If your gums bleed when you brush, or if you are worried about recession, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Fitzwilliam Street Dental Care, we are here to help you get your oral health back on track.
Whether you want to learn the best brushing techniques or want to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile, our team is ready to guide you. Request a free 30-minute consultation with our Treatment Care Coordinator today!
