Dentists say people are brushing too hard. Using the wrong technique or a stiff toothbrush can cause gum recession and lead to periodontal disease.
The American Dental Association recommends a soft or extra-soft toothbrush. Even the softest one, however, causes damage when people brush too aggressively or too long.
Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and work it up and down or in circles to the gum line, never back and forth. Dentists say brushing once a day before bedtime is OK if you do a thorough job and floss.
