PERSONAL HEALTH : Go Easy on Those Pearly Whites

Considerable damage to teeth and gums can result from holding a toothbrush in a “death grip,” while brushing, the Academy of General Dentistry warns.

Inflamed gums and abrasion of the dental enamel can be caused by this brushing method, which involves clasping the toothbrush with the entire palm and applying heavy pressure to the teeth, notes Dr. Terry Dickinson, an academy representative.

Vigorous, long horizontal strokes should be avoided, Dickinson cautions.

“Some overdo the brushing to feel ‘extra clean,’ scrubbing for a long time several times a day,” says Dickinson. “This harms the gums and can cause dental abrasion.”

“If toothbrush bristles are flayed out after one month’s use, that’s a sign of the death grip,” he adds, explaining most bristles are not flayed out until after four months of use.

Dickinson suggests using a soft toothbrush, holding it with just the thumb and index finger and brushing with short circular strokes.