If you are committed to practicing good oral hygiene, perhaps you would most likely brush your teeth at least once or twice daily. You may even want to brush your teeth after every food to maintain good oral health and fresh breath. Most oral-conscious people will want to know if there’s any such thing as overbrushing. Well, as it turns out, even brushing can be done excessively.
Overbrushing the teeth doesn’t solely focus on how often you brush your teeth but the way you brush your teeth. So you may just be overbrushing your teeth, and it’s crucial that you know that excessive brushing can damage your teeth and cause other oral conditions.
3 Risks of Excessive Brushing
Over vigorous or aggressive brushing can cause various oral conditions such as tooth sensitivity, dental abrasion, and receding gums.
1. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel suffers abrasion from using a toothbrush aggressively. The nerve endings of the dentin layer become exposed and vulnerable, which causes tooth sensitivity; this can make you experience pain or discomfort when you take cold, hotly, sour or sweet food. You can even be uncomfortable when you brush your teeth.
2. Dental Abrasion
Dental abrasion is when you lose your tooth structure and enamel due to a mechanical force from an external object such as a toothbrush. Using the toothbrush vigorously causes the enamel to wear, and subsequently, the dentin and cementum structures follow. Dental abrasion can easily be identified as yellow or brown spots close to the gum line.
3. Receding Gums
Brushing incorrectly can cause gums recession as the softer dentin and cementum are exposed, which can cause pain and increase the risk for decay.
How To Brush Correctly And Prevent Overbrushing
Check the bristles: Bristles are usually hard or soft. Most people assume that hard-bristled brushes clean better, but they are more likely to damage your teeth than soft-bristled ones. Many dentists suggest soft-bristled toothbrushes since they are less likely to cause damage and still clean your teeth.
Check the Toothpaste Constituent: Highly abrasive toothpaste can increase the chances of dental abrasion. Invest in toothpaste with fluoride and calcium to protect your teeth.
Replace Worn Out Toothbrushes: Worn out toothbrushes have rough edges which can damage your teeth. You can also tell if you’re over brushing by checking if the bristles are flattened within a few weeks; flattened toothbrushes may mean you’re using too much pressure.
Use the Right Technique: Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle from the gum line and brush your teeth gently in a circular motion.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning & Exam
Overbrushing is not the means to a perfect smile. Rather than damaging your teeth and gums with excess brushing, you can follow the correct brushing technique with the right toothbrush to keep your teeth in good condition.
At Premier Dental Center Boerne, we are committed to offering excellent and compassionate dental services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our professional dentists. Our experienced team will teach you how to brush your teeth correctly and avoid overbrushing.