Brushing hard could make teeth turn yellow, physician warns

Amarachi Okeh

A health expert, Dr. Toluwani Binutu, has cautioned Nigerians against brushing their teeth very hard, noting that rather than help make teeth cleaner, it could rather lead to the yellowing of the teeth.

The UK-based medical expert explained that this is because brushing the teeth really hard overtime removes the enamel – the hard outer layer of the teeth – thus exposing the more yellow part of the teeth,

He said, “Generally, many of us believe that scrubbing our teeth hard when we brush can help to make our teeth whiter and cleaner, but the opposite has been found to be true.

“This is because scrubbing our teeth hard gradually removes the enamel and exposes more of the yellow dentine beneath the enamel.

“This dentine is also more sensitive than the enamel and when it is exposed, it may cause us to feel shocks when we eat or drink certain substances.”

He advised that when brushing the teeth next time, don’t use excessive force. Rather, be firm and think of it like you are massaging your teeth.

The physician stated this in a video posted on his official Instagram page, @tolubinutu.

Also, according to a recent article posted on the medical site, everydayhealth.com, there are right and wrong ways of brushing the teeth.

In the article, Gene Romo, a Chicago based Dentist told the medical site that brushing too hard — or using the wrong toothbrush — can damage the teeth and gums, leading to problems like enamel wear and receding gums, which can in turn lead to tooth sensitivity.

He lamented that people tend to brush aggressively, thinking it’s the only way they can get their teeth to feel clean and look whiter but that is counterproductive, “because not only does it cause recession of your gums, but you’re also wearing away the white, glossy enamel on your teeth, making them look yellow and darker.”

The article recommended that to brush their teeth properly, people should use a soft-bristled brush, gently move the brush back and forth, and should only brush for just about two minutes to properly clean to prevent plaques and cavities.

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