Is it possible to brush your teeth too hard?

While we’re all for maintaining good oral hygiene, it turns out it’s possible to be a bit too enthusiastic with your brushing. In other words, you can brush your teeth too hard and actually do your smile more harm than good. Brushing teeth with too much pressure can wear down tooth enamel, which may result in sensitive teeth, and it can cause receding gums, which can lead to additional problems from gum  disease to tooth loss. Research has shown that as many as half of U.S. adults experience gum recession.

Protect your smile with a pressure sensor

It’s tough to tell when you’re brushing with too much force, and you definitely don’t want problems with your teeth and gums to be your first warning sign. That’s why oral care engineers have designed an array of different pressure-sensing technologies to help prevent irreversible gum damage. All pressure sensors give some kind of alert when the user brushes with too much pressure, but the type of alert can vary.

Choosing the right kind of pressure sensor toothbrush

Each kind of pressure sensor technology works a bit differently. We’ll take you through what’s out there so you can consider what’s best for you.

Variable Motor: The most basic type of pressure sensor slows down the vibrations of the toothbrush when you apply too much pressure, and returns to normal speed when you reduce pressure. The lower speed helps protect teeth and gums, but these toothbrushes don’t have any other indicators. If you don’t notice that the vibrations have slowed, you may just continue brushing with excess force, rather than learning to brush more safely.

Visual Indicator: More advanced models of pressure sensor feature a visual indicator such as an LED light or warning light. The light comes on when you brush too hard, and turns off when you reduce pressure. The warning lights are usually located at the top of the handle near the brush head; having a mirror handy can help you make sure you don’t miss the light even while brushing your back teeth.

Audio Indicator: Pressure sensors with an audio indicator emit a beeping sound when you brush too hard, and stop beeping when you brush more gently. Over time, it teaches you to brush at the correct pressure by providing a signal you can’t miss or ignore. We chose this type of sensor for the Shyn Daily Sonic Toothbrush because it can help you form new habits and learn how to properly brush your teeth.

Smartphone App: Some high-tech pressure sensors link to a smartphone app. The sensor transmits the pressure level to the app, so the app can track how hard you’re brushing and coach you to adjust accordingly. These apps are great if you are disciplined enough to use them every time you brush, but if you skip them because they’re inconvenient or you’re rushed, they won’t do much to improve your brushing technique.

There is a wide variation in price when it comes to pressure-sensing toothbrushes, with the most expensive models costing more than $300. So when you shop for one, we recommend considering value versus just price. Consider which features are really going to work for you, and which ones you’ll use most consistently. Protecting your teeth and gums from damage is the first step to a healthy mouth, but choosing a brush you’ll keep using is equally important for optimal oral health.

Of course, if you’re looking for a pressure sensor toothbrush that’s affordable and easy to use, we think the Shyn Daily Sonic Toothbrush will put a smile on your face. You can even subscribe for refills every 2 or 3 months, so you’ll never have to remember to change your brush head.