Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie: What Parents Need to Know

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Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie in Babies and Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you’re a parent struggling with breastfeeding challenges or noticing speech difficulties in your child, you may have heard of tongue-tie and lip-tie. These conditions occur when the frenulum, the small band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip, is too tight, restricting movement.

While tongue-tie and lip-tie are common, they often go undiagnosed, leading to feeding difficulties, speech problems, and oral development issues. The good news is that these conditions are easily treatable with a simple and effective procedure called a frenectomy.

At Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, we specialize in gentle laser frenectomy treatments to help babies, children, and even adults experience better oral function and improved quality of life. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and long-term benefits of tongue-tie and lip-tie procedures.

What Are Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie?

Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)

A tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue under the tongue, is too tight or short, limiting tongue mobility. This restriction can interfere with:

  • Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
  • Speech development
  • Oral hygiene and swallowing
  • Jaw and airway development

Lip-Tie

A lip-tie happens when the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums, is too thick or tight. This can cause:

  • Difficulty flanging the lips outward for a proper latch
  • Gassiness, reflux, and excessive air swallowing
  • Gaps between the front teeth
  • Challenges with brushing and flossing

While some babies have both tongue-tie and lip-tie, others may experience only one condition. An evaluation with a trained provider can determine whether treatment is necessary.

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie

Symptoms in Babies:

  • Difficulty latching while breastfeeding
  • Clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding
  • Excessive drooling or choking during feeds
  • Poor weight gain despite frequent feeding
  • Frustration, fussiness, or colic symptoms
  • Gassiness or reflux from swallowing air
  • Prolonged or painful breastfeeding sessions
  • Nipple pain, cracking, or mastitis in mothers

Symptoms in Toddlers and Children:

  • Delayed speech development or difficulty articulating certain sounds
  • Trouble swallowing or chewing solid foods
  • Persistent drooling
  • Dental problems, including a gap between the front teeth
  • Increased risk of cavities due to food buildup
  • TMJ or oral tension

If you recognize any of these signs, early intervention is key to ensuring proper feeding, speech, and dental development.

How Are Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treated?

The best treatment for tongue-tie and lip-tie is a frenectomy, a quick and minimally invasive procedure that releases the restricted tissue to restore natural movement.

At Hansen Dentistry, we use an advanced laser technique for frenectomies, which offers:

  • Minimized discomfort with little to no bleeding
  • Faster healing with reduced swelling and infection risk
  • Improved latch and feeding for babies
  • Better speech and oral development
  • Precise and gentle treatment with no need for sutures

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, and babies typically experience immediate improvement in their ability to feed properly.

Long-Term Benefits of Treating Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie

Correcting tongue-tie and lip-tie early leads to significant long-term benefits, including:

  • Better breastfeeding and nutrition, ensuring that babies receive adequate milk
  • Speech and language development with improved articulation
  • Improved oral health by reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease
  • Healthy jaw and dental alignment by preventing bite issues and airway problems
  • Prevention of TMJ and sleep issues by reducing chronic jaw tension and improving airway function

By choosing a safe, effective, and fast laser frenectomy, you’re giving your child the best foundation for a lifetime of better health.

Why Choose Hansen Dentistry for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treatment in Apex, NC?

At Hansen Dentistry, Dr. Rylan Hansen and our team are committed to helping babies and children thrive with expert, compassionate care. We offer:

  • Precise and painless laser treatment with no scalpels or stitches
  • Same-day frenectomy appointments with minimal downtime
  • Experienced pediatric and family dental care in a kid-friendly environment
  • Post-treatment support, including aftercare guidance and follow-up visits

If your baby is struggling with feeding or if you suspect your child has tongue-tie or lip-tie, we are here to help.

Schedule an evaluation today. Call our office or submit our online form to request an appointment to learn more about our laser tongue-tie and lip-tie treatments in Apex, NC.

Understanding Tongue-Tie in Babies from Our Apex NC Dentist

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What Are the Causes, Treatment, and Long-Term Benefits of Tongue-Tie

As parents, ensuring your baby’s health and well-being is a top priority, and feeding is one of the first challenges you may face. If your infant struggles with breastfeeding, has difficulty latching, or experiences slow weight gain, tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) may be the culprit. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers effective treatment options to correct tongue-tie and improve feeding, speech, and overall oral development.

At Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, we provide professional and compassionate care for infants experiencing tongue-tie. Let’s explore the issue, the available solutions, and the long-term benefits of treatment.

What Is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie is a condition where the band of tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight or short, restricting tongue movement. This condition can impact an infant’s ability to breastfeed, swallow, and even affect speech development as they grow.

Signs Your Baby May Have Tongue-Tie:

  • Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
  • Frequent, prolonged, or painful nursing sessions
  • Clicking sounds while feeding
  • Inadequate weight gain despite regular feeding
  • Frustration or fussiness during feeding
  • Reflux or excessive gas from swallowing air
  • Difficulty sticking out the tongue past the lower lip

If you notice these signs, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant for an evaluation.

How Is Tongue-Tie Corrected?

The most effective solution for tongue-tie is a frenectomy, a simple, quick, and minimally invasive procedure that releases the tight tissue restricting tongue movement.

At Hansen Dentistry, we use laser frenectomy, an advanced and gentle technique that offers several benefits over traditional surgical methods.

Why Choose a Laser Frenectomy?

  • Minimally Invasive – No need for scalpels or stitches.
  • Quick Healing – The laser cauterizes as it works, reducing bleeding and swelling.
  • Less Discomfort – Babies experience minimal discomfort and often resume feeding immediately.
  • Reduced Risk of Infection – The laser sterilizes the area, lowering infection risk.
  • Precise and Effective – Targets only the affected tissue without harming surrounding areas.

The procedure typically takes just a few minutes, and parents can hold and soothe their baby immediately afterward. Most infants show immediate improvement in their ability to latch and feed comfortably.

Long-Term Benefits of Treating Tongue-Tie

Correcting tongue-tie early can have lasting advantages beyond infancy. Here’s how a frenectomy benefits your child’s health and development:

1. Improved Breastfeeding and Nutrition

Breastfeeding success significantly increases when tongue mobility is restored, ensuring better milk transfer, improved weight gain, and reduced stress for both baby and mother.

2. Speech Development

Tongue mobility plays a crucial role in speech formation. Children with untreated tongue-tie may develop speech difficulties, such as trouble pronouncing certain sounds. Early intervention supports proper speech development.

3. Better Oral Hygiene

A restricted tongue can make it difficult to clean the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Treatment helps improve oral function, making dental hygiene easier as your child grows.

4. Proper Jaw and Dental Development

A restricted tongue may contribute to improper jaw development, leading to issues like an overbite, crowded teeth, or airway problems. A frenectomy helps support natural oral growth.

5. Prevention of Future Complications

If left untreated, tongue-tie can lead to issues in adulthood, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, sleep apnea, and chronic neck or jaw tension. Treating it early prevents these potential concerns.

Is Your Baby a Candidate for a Frenectomy?

If you suspect your infant has tongue-tie, it’s best to have them evaluated by a qualified dentist or pediatric specialist. At Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, Dr. Rylan Hansen and our experienced team provide thorough evaluations and gentle laser frenectomies to improve your baby’s oral function and overall well-being.

Schedule a Consultation Today to Speak with Our Apex NC Dentist Who Specializes in Tongue-Tie Procedures

Early intervention can make all the difference in your baby’s feeding, speech, and oral health. If you’re concerned about tongue-tie, contact Hansen Dentistry for a consultation. Our friendly team is here to help you and your baby achieve a healthier, happier start.

Top 10 Facts About Tooth Removal from Our Local Apex Dentist

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Preventive Dentistry: Why Tooth Removal is sometimes the Best Solution for Long-Term Oral Health

When it comes to maintaining optimal oral health, preventive dentistry plays a crucial role. While dentists prioritize saving natural teeth whenever possible, there are instances where tooth removal becomes necessary for long-term oral health. Tooth extraction may be recommended to prevent the spread of infection, eliminate overcrowding, address impacted teeth, or make way for orthodontic treatment.

Tooth removal is not a decision taken lightly, but in certain situations, it proves to be the best solution for a healthier mouth in the long run.

From Concerns to Comfort: Mastering Tooth Removal with Anesthesia Options and Post-Surgical TLC

One common concern individuals have about tooth removal is pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. However, modern dentistry offers a range of anesthesia options to ensure a comfortable experience. These may include local anesthesia to numb the specific area, sedation options to help patients relax, or general anesthesia for complex cases.

Post-surgical care also plays a significant role in minimizing discomfort and promoting healing. Dentists provide instructions on pain management, proper oral hygiene, and diet modifications during the recovery period. With the right anesthesia and post-surgical TLC, patients can feel confident and at ease throughout the entire tooth removal process.

A Step-by-Step Guide: Navigating the Tooth Removal Process with Confidence and Care

Understanding the step-by-step process of tooth removal can alleviate anxiety and uncertainties surrounding the procedure. Here’s a brief guide:

  1. Evaluation: The dentist will examine the affected tooth, analyze dental X-rays, and determine if tooth removal is necessary.
  2. Anesthesia administration: The chosen anesthesia option is administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  3. Tooth extraction: The dentist carefully and skillfully removes the tooth, taking precautions to minimize tissue damage.
  4. Recovery: Following tooth removal, a gauze pad is placed on the extraction site to control bleeding. Patients receive aftercare instructions regarding pain management, oral hygiene, and diet restrictions.
  5. Healing: The extraction site gradually heals, with new bone formation and gum tissue growth, typically taking a few weeks.
  6. Follow-up: A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or complications.

By having a clear understanding of each step involved, patients can approach tooth removal with confidence, knowing what to expect and how to ensure proper healing.

In conclusion, tooth removal is sometimes necessary for long-term oral health, but dentists prioritize saving natural teeth whenever possible. With the availability of different anesthesia options to ensure comfort and post-surgical TLC to promote healing, the tooth removal process can be navigated with confidence. By understanding the step-by-step guide outlined above, patients can approach tooth removal knowing the process and feel assured about their oral health journey.

Check Our Apex Dentist Service: Cosmetic Dentistry

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Cosmetic Dentistry in Apex, NC

Enhance Your Smile with the Best Dentist in Apex

Your smile is one of your most defining features, and at Hansen Dentistry, we’re here to make it shine. As a trusted Apex dentist near you, Dr. Rylan Hansen provides advanced cosmetic dentistry services to help patients achieve the bright, confident smiles they’ve always wanted. Whether you’re looking to whiten your teeth or transform your smile with veneers, we’re here to make your dream smile a reality.

Why Choose Hansen Dentistry for Cosmetic Dentistry?

  • Personalized Treatment Plans: We work closely with you to design a customized plan that enhances your smile while meeting your goals.
  • Modern Technology: Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures precise, comfortable, and effective cosmetic treatments.
  • Natural-Looking Results: With Dr. Hansen’s expertise, you can achieve stunning results that look and feel completely natural.
  • Comprehensive Options: From teeth whitening to Invisalign, we offer a wide range of cosmetic solutions under one roof.

Cosmetic Dentistry Services We Offer

  • Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile with professional treatments for noticeable results.
  • Veneers: Transform your smile by correcting imperfections like chips, gaps, or discoloration.
  • Invisalign Clear Braces: Straighten your teeth discreetly with virtually invisible aligners.
  • Cosmetic Bonding: Repair chips, cracks, or gaps with minimally invasive treatments.
  • Smile Makeovers: Comprehensive plans that combine multiple cosmetic procedures for dramatic results.

Trust the Best Dentist in Apex for Your Cosmetic Care

Your smile deserves the best care, and Hansen Dentistry is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Hansen is recognized as one of the best dentists in Apex for cosmetic treatments.

Transform Your Smile Today with Our Apex NC Cosmetic Dentist

Ready to enhance your smile? Call Hansen Dentistry at (919) 363-8444 or submit a request form on our website to schedule your consultation. Let us help you achieve the confident, radiant smile you’ve always wanted.

Apex NC Dentist Explains Post Surgery Care for Dental Implants

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Dental Implants Procedure & What You Need to Know

It is natural and normal to experience discomfort after getting a dental implant. You might experience minor swelling, bruising, pain, or bleeding at the site of the implant surgery. If any of these symptoms are extremely painful, or worsening over time, they may indicate larger issues that need to be addressed immediately. However, if they only occur for a day after treatment, the following tips can help you find relief.

Be Careful While Eating

About an hour after surgery, you may remove the gauze sponges that have been placed in your mouth and have something to eat. Be sure to eat foods that are soft for the first 24 hours after surgery. Avoid hot foods and drinks, and do not drink from a straw for at least 24 hours.

Minimize Swelling

Swelling often occurs as part of the natural healing process, especially after bone grafting procedures. You can help minimize the amount of swelling by applying an ice pack to your face over the area where surgery was done for the first 24 hours. If you had surgery on both sides, switch the ice pack from one side to the other every 30 minutes. Instead of using ice cubes or medical ice packs, many of our patients prefer bags of frozen corn or peas.

Take Antibiotics as Prescribed

Antibiotics are used to prevent infection on or around the dental implant or bone graft. It is important that you follow the dosage directions on the bottle and continue taking the medication until it’s finished. If you should develop a reaction to the medication, such as skin rash, stop taking the medication and call our office. Note that some antibiotics can interfere with birth control pills, so you should use other methods to prevent pregnancy during this time.

Continue to Brush and Floss

Although the surgery site may be painful, it is still important to practice proper oral hygiene after oral surgery. After 24 hours, you can resume tooth brushing. It may also help to gently rinse your mouth every so often with a mild salt water rinse (1/4 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water). DO NOT use mouth wash or hydrogen peroxide rinses for 14 days.

 Avoid Tobacco Products

Smoking of any kind after oral surgery interferes with the normal healing process and can increase your chances of developing an infection, as well as failure of the implant and or bone grafts. Smokers have a higher risk of implant failure, so avoid smoking until you have fully healed. 

Need a Dental Implant in Apex?

If you think you may be a candidate for dental implants, talk to one of our Apex oral surgeons today about dental implant surgery. Request an appointment here!

Check Our Apex Dentist Service: Dental Exams & X-Rays

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Dental Exams & X-Rays Services in Apex NC

The Foundation of Excellent Oral Health

Regular dental exams and X-rays are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At Hansen Dentistry, Dr. Rylan Hansen, your trusted Apex dentist near you, provides comprehensive evaluations and state-of-the-art imaging to detect potential dental issues early. Our proactive approach helps prevent small concerns from becoming major problems, ensuring a lifetime of optimal oral health.

Why Are Dental Exams & X-Rays Important?

Dental exams and X-rays are critical components of preventative care. While exams allow Dr. Hansen to assess your oral health, X-rays provide a detailed view of areas not visible to the naked eye, such as beneath the gums or inside the teeth. Together, they enable us to diagnose issues like cavities, infections, bone loss, and impacted teeth.

Why Choose Hansen Dentistry?

  • Advanced Technology: Our digital X-rays provide clear, detailed images with minimal radiation exposure.
  • Thorough Assessments: Dr. Hansen’s comprehensive exams ensure every aspect of your oral health is evaluated.
  • Patient Education: We explain our findings and recommend personalized treatment plans to keep your smile healthy.
  • Expert Care: As one of the best dentists in Apex, Dr. Hansen is committed to delivering accurate, effective, and comfortable care.

What to Expect During Your Exam

  1. Oral Health Evaluation: Dr. Hansen will examine your teeth, gums, and soft tissues for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues.
  2. Digital X-Rays: Advanced imaging allows us to see below the surface for a complete understanding of your oral health.
  3. Screenings: We check for oral cancer and other abnormalities to ensure early detection and timely care.
  4. Personalized Recommendations: Based on the exam, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

The Benefits of Regular Exams & X-Rays

  • Early Detection: Identify problems before they become serious.
  • Preventative Focus: Avoid costly and invasive treatments with routine care.
  • Improved Overall Health: Addressing oral health issues can benefit your overall well-being.
  • Confidence in Your Smile: Stay ahead of dental concerns and maintain a bright, healthy smile.

Schedule Your Exam Today with Our Apex NC Dentist

Stay proactive about your oral health with regular dental exams and X-rays at Hansen Dentistry. Call (919) 363-8444 or submit a request form on our website to book your appointment with the best dentist in Apex.

Book an Appointment with a Trusted Local General Dentist for These 5 Reasons

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Caring for Your Oral Health: A Local Dentist Who Understands Your Needs

When it comes to your oral health, finding a dentist who truly understands your needs and concerns is essential. Booking an appointment with a trusted local general dentist ensures that you receive personalized care tailored to your specific requirements. Local dentists often prioritize building strong relationships with their patients, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of your oral health history, concerns, and goals.

The Importance of Continuity in Dental Care: Why Choosing a Trusted Local Dentist Matters

Continuity in dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. By choosing a trusted local dentist, you establish a long-term partnership centered on your wellbeing. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for detecting and preventing oral issues before they escalate. A local dentist who you trust can provide consistent care, making it easier to monitor your oral health and address any concerns promptly.

The Key to Lifelong Dental Wellness: Building a Lasting Partnership with a Local Dentist

Building a lasting partnership with a local dentist is one of the keys to achieving lifelong dental wellness. Over time, your local dentist becomes familiar with your dental history, making it easier to identify changes in your oral health and determine the most effective treatment plans. This long-term relationship also enhances communication and trust between you and your dentist, ensuring that you receive the best possible care.

Access to Comprehensive Dental Services: The Expertise of a Local General Dentist

Booking an appointment with a trusted local general dentist grants you access to comprehensive dental services. Whether you require routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, or cosmetic procedures, your local dentist can provide a wide range of treatments to meet your needs. Additionally, local dentists often stay updated with the latest advancements and techniques in dentistry, guaranteeing that you benefit from the most modern and effective treatments available.

Convenience and Community Support: Booking with a Local Dentist

Choosing a local general dentist offers the convenience of easy access to dental care. With a trusted local dentist, you won’t have to travel long distances for appointments, saving you time and effort. Additionally, by supporting local dental practices, you contribute to your community’s growth and development. Local dentists often participate in community events and initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to the welfare of their patients and the community as a whole.

In conclusion, booking an appointment with a trusted local general dentist brings numerous benefits. From personalized care to continuity in dental care and building a lasting partnership, a local dentist plays a crucial role in ensuring your oral health and overall wellbeing. Additionally, accessing comprehensive dental services and contributing to your community’s support are added advantages of choosing a local dentist. Prioritize your oral health today by selecting a trusted local general dentist who will provide exceptional care tailored to your unique needs.

What Forensic Investigators Can Learn From Teeth! | Apex Dentist

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If you watch a lot of crime shows like CSI: Miami, you may already know that teeth are often the only body parts that can survive severe types of destruction, like burning. Because of this, forensic scientists often have only teeth to work with when it comes to identifying a victim of a crime or natural/manmade disaster. In today’s post, our Apex dentist explains some of the things forensics investigators (and anthropologists!) can determine by examining dental fragments.

Age at the Time of Death

Teeth can help indicate how old an unknown victim was when he or she died. This is especially easy to do when the victim is a child or adolescent, since baby teeth erupt on a generally universal schedule. The first baby teeth start to emerge during the first two years of life; the first two permanent incisors and the first permanent molar emerge between 6 and 8 years of age; and the majority of the remaining permanent teeth erupt between the ages of 10 and 12 years of age. Wisdom teeth tend to erupt around 18 years of age.

Using dentition to age adult victims is a bit more challenging. Once the wisdom teeth have erupted, age can only be estimated by only morphological changes within the teeth. These changes include tooth root translucency, which increases with age; dental wear on the teeth; and the ratio of amino acids in the teeth (D-aspartic acids convert to L-aspartic acids with age).

Racial Determination

There are very slight differences in the skull structure of different races, which can help assist forensic investigators in identifying victims. People of Asian or Native American descent often have incisors which are shovel-shaped, with ridges on the rear surface of the tooth. People of Caucasian descent tend to have pointier incisors, and smaller teeth overall, often with significant crowding and impacted third molars. Those of African descent rarely have crowding, and the upper teeth often project outwards due to the angled shape of the maxilla. However, these differences are becoming less prevalent, and therefore less useful in identification, as our species becomes less geographically isolated.

Lifestyle & Diet

Teeth hold many clues about an individual’s health issues, even issues that did not originate in the mouth. Tooth loss and erosion of the tooth enamel can be a sign of an eating disorder, or a chronic condition like osteoporosis. Heart disease, skin conditions, blood conditions, and kidney disease can all be identified by examining the teeth. The wear on teeth can also show evidence of what the individual ate and chewed, a detail that is more useful to historic and prehistoric anthropologists.

Individual Dental Characteristics

Forensic dentists can often match victims with specific dental characteristics, like cavity fillings, crown or implant restorations, and orthodontic treatments. If the teeth are damaged by fire, the enamel is often burned off, but post-mortem root canals can still provide clues.

Providing Understanding and Closure

In mass casualty disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, or plane crashes, forensic dentists are enlisted to view the most badly damaged or decomposed remains. Dentists are often be the only ones able to identify the dead, giving them back their names and allowing their families much-needed closure. That’s why, even though it’s unfortunate that these types of situations occur, we should be very grateful for this incredible specialization of dentistry.

Hansen Dentistry is a dentist office in Apex, NC, serving residents of Apex, Cary, and Morrisville. To schedule an appointment with our office, please click here.

Busting 4 of the Most Common Tooth Brushing Myths with Our Apex Dentist

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Most of us learned how to brush our teeth in Kindergarten—so it’s no wonder we tend to get some things wrong. After all, we haven’t had a proper tooth brushing lesson since we were little kids! Coupled with the fact that tooth brushing best practices have changed over the years, and popular myths that exist about dental hygiene, it’s not surprising that so many people visit our office with cavities and caries, even though they brush every day. Here are some ways you may be brushing your teeth wrong.

Myth 1: After brushing your teeth, you should rinse out your mouth with water.

This is by far the most common tooth brushing mistake most people make. When we were kids, an emphasis was placed on spitting out the toothpaste in order to keep us from swallowing it. However, as an adult, you should keep the toothpaste residue on your teeth as long as possible. Toothpaste works by applying fluoride to your tooth’s surface, in order to raise the Ph of your mouth and remineralize the enamel. Rinsing it off with water minimizes its benefits.

Myth 2: After brushing your teeth, you should rinse your mouth with mouthwash.

Mouthwash should be used before you brush, not after. Unless it’s a fluoride mouthwash, you’ll be negating all the hard work you did by brushing, just as with water. Secondly, you’re also creating a more acidic environment in your mouth that wears your enamel down more quickly.

Myth 3: You should brush your teeth soon after eating.

Brushing your teeth after a meal does a lot of damage to your teeth. All the acid in your food is stuck in-between your teeth, and brushing rubs it around like sandpaper. Instead of brushing directly after eating, wait a few hours after eating so that the saliva in your mouth lowers the Ph. If you’re worried about having bad breath, chew a minty gum containing xylitol. The best time to brush your teeth is first thing in the morning, before you’ve eaten.

Myth 4: Since plaque is tough to get off, I need to brush forcefully.  

Brushing too hard can actually cause your gums to recede, and erode your enamel as well. Instead, brush your gums with light, gentle motions. Plaque is not stuck on hard to your teeth, and brushing lightly will remove it. If your toothbrush bristles have a smashed-down appearance, that’s a sign that you are brushing too hard.

Get a Dental Cleaning from a Qualified Apex Dentist

If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, be sure to stop in to Hansen Dentistry. Our Apex dentist office is a welcoming, family-friendly, judgement-free zone where we only care about one thing: helping you have the healthiest smile possible. To schedule an appointment, fill out our appointment form here.

Signs You Are Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard from Our Dentist in Apex

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Many people believe that plaque is hard to remove, and brush their teeth as hard as they can. However, this can erode your enamel and damage your gum line over time. Here are some signs that you are being too rough on your teeth when you brush.

A Frayed Toothbrush

If your toothbrush looks flat and damaged, with bristles that are split or frayed out, you are probably brushing too vigorously. You can minimize the damage by purchasing an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor that lights up or stops if you brush too hard. Some electric toothbrushes also come with a 2-minute timer so that you do not brush for too long.

Receding or Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis, caused by a lack of brushing, but bleeding and receding gums can indicate you are damaging your gum tissue from over-brushing. Gum recession exposes your teeth to infection and decay, so it’s not just a cosmetic issue, but something that needs to be fixed to preserve your overall health. If you suspect your gums are receding, run a finger over your teeth. If you can feel notches or gaps where your gumline used to be, schedule an appointment with a dentist.

Sensitive Teeth

When you over-brush, you wear down the hard enamel protecting your teeth, exposing the sensitive dentin beneath. The more enamel you lose, the more sensitive your teeth will be to hot, cold, and carbonated items, as well as brushing. To preserve the health of your enamel, brush gently, remineralize with fluoride, and avoid toothpastes containing abrasive substances like activated charcoal.

Dull or Yellow Teeth

Yellow teeth can be a result of staining from coffee, wine, and other acidic beverages, but it can also be caused when the white enamel erodes, exposing the naturally yellow dentin beneath. If  your teeth are sensitive and seem to have a yellow sheen, you may be brushing too hard or too often.

Protect Your Teeth – Schedule an Appointment with a Dentist in Apex

If you think you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, make sure to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Apex. At Hansen Dentistry, we will do our best to make you feel relaxed and at home while receiving expert dental care. To schedule an appointment, click here.