Could Brushing Your Teeth Actually Increase your chance of gum disease?

Dude, brush your teeth and floss daily. You stink. People avoid you so they don’t have to smell your swamp mouth.

I’ve read about that before. That thought led me to wonder about the topic of this thread.

In my case, they recommend concentrating on brushing the gums and not so much the teeth. My teeth are strong and not cavity-prone but I am prone to gingivitus. But yes, let the electric brush do the work; concentrate on angling it correctly so it cleans more efficiently.

My dentist has threatened things like “scaling” and “root planing” so I need to get back to flossing!

I was always told I was borderline on gum disease when I was using a regular toothbrush. 4 years ago the hygienist got me to buy a Braun electronic brush and it was a measurable difference - I even brushed less often with the Braun than I did with a manual brush and had way better results. No pockets more than 2mm. It died after 3 years and I switched to a Sonicare - I like the Braun better and will go back to that when this Sonicare bites in a couple more years.

I guess we’re not supposed to pitch brands here, but I love my Sonicare. My dentist and my hygienist seem to like it, too. My wife has a different brand, which she seems to like fine.

My dental hygienist is cute. Every time I visit, I eat a whole package of Oreo cookies while waiting in the lobby. Sometimes she has to cancel the rest of the afternoon’s appointments.
– Steven Wright

My dentist’s office definitely pushes the Sonicare as somehow much superior to other brands. I think they sell them, but I buy mine at WalMart.

Oscillating-rotating are superior to sonic brushes according to studies (and my own experiences).

I’ve had difficulty with brushing my teeth all my life. Most toothpastes burn my mouth, and I’ve lacerated my gums in the past using hard brushes. Right now I use a soft brush, a no-mint gel toothpaste, and I still don’t brush each and every day. Fortunately I got first rate fluoride treatment as a child or I’d probably be wearing dentures by now.