Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?

When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do to keep your mouth in a pristine and healthy state. However, sometimes too much of a good thing can actually be detrimental! Overbrushing your teeth can lead to some serious oral health concerns if you aren’t careful. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about why you should be mindful of how hard you’re brushing, along with some tips for ensuring you’re doing things correctly.

How Overbrushing Can Harm Your Teeth

Brushing regularly is vital for healthy teeth and gums; but overbrushing, also known as “toothbrush abrasion,” can easily lead to problems developing. Vigorous brushing can wear down the enamel on the teeth while also damaging and pushing back the gums, exposing the sensitive root areas of your teeth. Receding gums can also lead to other dental problems including periodontal disease and cavities on the tooth roots, which can expedite the need for treatment options like fillings, root canal therapy, and in some cases even tooth extraction.

It’s important to note that brushing vigorously does not help you remove plaque; rather, it’s brushing thoroughly that does. The people most at risk for tooth or gum damage from over brushing are those who are particularly diligent about their oral care, as well as patients who tend to use medium- or hard-bristle toothbrushes. There are other factors that also can contribute to overbrushing, including a genetic predisposition to receding gums, bruxism (grinding or clenching your teeth at night), or having undergone orthodontic treatment.

The Proper Way to Brush Your Teeth

According to the Wall Street Journal, dentists estimate that between 10 to 20 percent of the population have damaged their teeth or gums because of overbrushing. That said, consider the following tips to ensure that you’re correctly and effectively cleaning your teeth:

• Brush for 2 – 3 minutes each time to get the most thorough cleaning.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum damage and wear on the teeth.
• Place the head of your toothbrush with the tips of the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gumline as you’re brushing.
• Move the toothbrush with short, circular scrubbing motions several times in each spot. Avoid using a back-and-forth sawing motion.
• Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against your gums; if you’re squashing the bristles, you’re pressing too hard.

If you’re experiencing receding gums and worn tooth enamel because of overbrushing your teeth, it’s time to reevaluate your oral hygiene routine and ensure that in the future, you’re taking a correct approach towards keeping your mouth clean.

About the Practice

Blue Coast Dental Group is pleased to serve patients in the Torrance area under the leadership of four outstanding dentists: Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour, Dr. George Cho, Dr. Maria Galvin, and Dr. Pedram Marhabi! Their practice is proud to offer a wide range of available services including preventive, restorative, cosmetic options and more. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact the practice online or by phone: (310) 424-3100.