Chapters
Introduction
[01:02]
Dr Yudelman shares his insights on gum recession, brushing techniques, and oral health.
What Exactly is Gum Recession?
[01:24]
Gum recession happens when gum tissue pulls away from the tooth’s cementoenamel junction, exposing the root and leading to sensitivity or longer-looking teeth.
How Common is Over-Vigorous Brushing?
[02:24]
Many adults brush too hard, thinking it leads to cleaner teeth, but this can damage gum tissue and cause recession. Switch to a soft brush and gentler techniques.
Does the Hardness of the Toothbrush Matter?
[03:27]
Hard brushes can damage gums. Soft brushes clean effectively and are gentler.
Early Signs of Gum Recession
[03:48]
Look for notches at the gum line, sensitivity to cold, bleeding when brushing, and changes in gum texture or colour. These signs should prompt a dental check-up.
How Much Pressure is Too Much?
[05:44]
Use just enough force to flatten a used toothpaste tube. Hold the brush like a pencil and consider using a pressure-sensing electric toothbrush.
Best Toothbrush Types
[06:53]
Both manual and electric brushes work if used correctly. Use a soft-bristled brush and replace heads regularly.
Brushing Techniques and Angles
[08:59]
Aim bristles at a 45° angle towards the gum line. Use gentle circular motions and avoid horizontal scrubbing.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Mild Recession
[10:33]
Professional cleaning, desensitising or fluoride toothpaste, and chlorhexidine rinses can help reverse mild gum recession.
When to Consider a Gum Graft
[11:52]
Recession of 3mm or more, thin gum biotypes, or frenal pull may require grafting by a periodontist.
Professional Monitoring Frequency
[13:42]
Six-monthly check-ups are usually sufficient. Additional treatments may be needed if grinding or sleep disorders are present.
Top 3 Daily Habits for Healthy Gums
[15:02]
1. Gently floss once nightly.
2. Use a soft electric toothbrush on a gentle setting, replacing heads regularly.
3. Pause to check brushing technique and pressure.
Conclusion
[16:00]
Dr Yudelman’s expert advice can help prevent gum recession and protect oral health. Tune in next week for more insights!
Transcript
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (00:07 – 01:01)
Welcome to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, the go-to podcast where curiosity meets dentistry, straight from the experts. I’m Eon Engelbrecht and I’m chatting to Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile, and we are here once again ready to take a deep dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective. So whether you’re looking to brighten your smile or protect your wallet, we’ve got you covered with this podcast offering you practical advice and the latest insights.
And today’s episode is Receding Gums — Are You Brushing Too Hard? It’s actually a question I ask myself every day. Whether you’re noticing sensitivity or you’re concerned about your gum health, Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile will share some essential insights to protect your gum margins. Dr Yudelman, welcome back.
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (01:02 – 01:24)
Thank you, Eon. Great to be back and great to speak to you today on this subject. We get a lot of people asking us about it. We have done some episodes on gum disease and on tooth sensitivity, but this one is specifically about brushing too hard. So looking forward to answering your questions.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (01:24 – 01:29)
What exactly is gum recession?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (01:30 – 02:23)
So the gum recession that we’re discussing today is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing more of the root surface. Your enamel is the white part of the tooth and then there’s a little junction called the cementoenamel junction. The cementum is actually the root surface.
It often starts subtly—most patients don’t notice until they feel sensitivity when they run a fingernail along the gum line or see longer-looking teeth, especially the canines, sometimes called “dog teeth.” Exposed roots are more prone to decay and abrasion, which can lead to further dental problems. Catching it early allows us to manage it conservatively before it progresses.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (02:24 – 02:35)
How common is over-vigorous brushing? You sometimes see people standing in front of the mirror brushing for ten minutes or so.
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (02:36 – 03:27)
Absolutely. Many adults believe harder brushing equals cleaner teeth—especially after long flights when you use those hard brushes airlines provide. Clinical studies show a significant percentage of recession cases result from improper brushing techniques. Patients often damage their gums without realising it. Once we adjust the technique—recommending an extra-soft brush and regular replacements—they see improvement. Hard brushes may seem durable, but stick with soft.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (03:27 – 03:36)
I was going to ask if it matters whether the brush is hard or soft, but those hard ones are more for scrubbing toilets, I think.
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (03:36 – 03:37)
Exactly.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (03:38 – 03:48)
They’re affordable—probably why people buy them. Anyway, what early signs should you look for at home?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (03:48 – 05:44)
Look for a slight notch at the gum line or increased sensitivity to cold. Bleeding when brushing gently is a red flag: gums are under stress, or you may have gum disease or plaque buildup despite scrubbing. Changes in colour or texture—thin, translucent areas—also warn of pending recession.
In dental terms, we describe gum “biotypes.” A thick biotype is fibrous with orange-peel stippling; a thin biotype is delicate and translucent. Thick gums tolerate brushing better; thin gums require extra care. Uneven gum levels, deep notches (abfractions) from bite forces or grinding also merit a dentist’s evaluation.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (05:44 – 05:50)
How much pressure is too much when brushing?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (05:50 – 06:53)
Press just enough to flatten a used toothpaste tube—firm but not abrasive. You shouldn’t feel discomfort. Holding the brush like a pencil limits force. Some electric brushes have pressure sensors that vibrate or flash a red light when you push too hard—excellent for those needing guidance.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (06:53 – 07:02)
Which toothbrush types, manual versus electric, help prevent damage?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (07:02 – 08:58)
Both can work. Many patients do fine with an over-the-counter soft manual brush used correctly—two minutes, no plaque. Others use expensive electric brushes with worn-out heads and poor hygiene because replacements are costly. I often switch them to a soft manual brush until they replace the head. Sonic or ultrasonic brushes are great: they buzz along the gum line lightly. Ultimately, technique matters more than tool choice.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (08:59 – 09:04)
Any proper techniques or angles to follow when brushing?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (09:04 – 10:19)
Aim the bristles at a 45° angle towards the gum line and use gentle vibrations or small circular motions. Avoid aggressive horizontal scrubbing across gums—that can cause damage. With electric brushes, guide the head slowly along each tooth-gum junction without extra force. And remember to look in the mirror while brushing—wipe away splatter to avoid annoying your partner!
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (10:20 – 10:22)
Yeah—and close the tap, for heaven’s sake.
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (10:22 – 10:32)
Especially here in the Cape—water is precious!
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (10:33 – 10:46)
Any non-surgical treatments that can reverse mild gum recession?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (10:46 – 11:51)
Professional deep cleaning to remove sub-gingival plaque and tartar helps gums reattach. Desensitising or fluoride toothpastes protect exposed roots. We also use chlorhexidine rinses (e.g. Curacept) via prescription to reduce inflammation without staining. These measures suit mild recession; severe cases require surgical referral.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (11:52 – 11:58)
And that’s when you should consider a gum graft or specialist referral—is that right?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (11:58 – 13:41)
Yes. Recession of three millimetres or more—or thin biotypes with minimal attached gingiva or frenal pull—needs a periodontist for grafting (connective tissue or free gingival grafts). We document recession at the initial 90-minute assessment with photographs and scans so we can monitor progression or stability over time.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (13:42 – 13:48)
How often should you have professional monitoring?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (13:48 – 15:02)
After a thorough initial exam, six-monthly hygiene visits usually suffice. If abfractions from grinding are present, a bite plate helps. For snoring or suspected sleep apnoea, a sleep study and mandibular advancement device prevent nocturnal clenching that can worsen recession. Always ensure your dentist understands sleep-related disorders, as some appliances may exacerbate them.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (15:02 – 15:09)
And finally, Dr Yudelman, what are the top three daily habits to protect your gum margins?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (15:10 – 16:00)
- Floss gently once a day, preferably before bed to remove debris overnight.
- Use a soft electric toothbrush on a gentle setting and change heads regularly—manual soft brushes work too if you prefer.
- Pause during brushing every so often to check the pressure and ensure the bristles are at a gentle angle along the gum line.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (16:00 – 16:14)
Some really good advice there from you, Dr Yudelman. And that concludes another edition of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. A massive thanks to you once again for sharing your expertise. We appreciate it so much.
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (16:14 – 16:22)
Thank you. I hope it’s helped a few people save some money and, in this case, save their gums.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (16:22 – 16:52)
Gums, exactly. Thank you so much to our listeners for tuning in. Remember, while we strive to provide valuable insights, always consult your own dental professional for personalised advice. Don’t forget to subscribe for more enlightening discussions and join us next week as we explore the fascinating intersection of dental health and financial savvy. Until then, keep smiling and taking great care of your teeth.
Speaker 3 (17:13 – 17:57)
Discover the world of dental excellence with OptiSmile. Join us for a weekly podcast featuring Dr Clifford Yudelman, a seasoned expert with 40 years of experience across four continents. Gain unique insights and expert dental advice by visiting optismile.co.za for articles that illuminate the path to optimal oral health. If you’re seeking unparalleled dental care in Cape Town, get in touch with OptiSmile or book directly online at optismile.co.za. OptiSmile—where global expertise meets local care.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, “Save Your Money Save Your Teeth” on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations.Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns.The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.
