Brushing too hard can damage your teeth and gums.

Here are some dentist-approved tips and tools to help you break the habit.

To tell if youre brushing too hard, look for receding gums all around the mouth.

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It can manifest as general recession everywhere, not just in a particular area, says Dr. Chern.

Instead, its more likely youll experience heightened sensitivity, especially when eating cold or hard foods.

Its Amazing How Its All Connected.

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New York City-based dentist

First things first: Go back to basics and look at your oral hygiene instruments.

Chances are, your toothbrushs bristles are too stiff.

Dr. Morghem also recommends staying away from whitening toothpastes.

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After a while, that can seriously wear down the enamel.

Instead, a pea-sized amount ofregular toothpasteor Sensodyne works just fine.

With toothbrushes this smart, you’re free to sit back, relax, and enjoy the brush.

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Lightly place it tooth by tooth and go through your mouth systematically, says Dr. Morghem.

No need to press down: Hold your toothbrush like a flute and let your brush do the work.

Music to your enamels ears.

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