Yes, There is Such a Thing as Over-Brushing

Good oral hygiene is vital for protecting the health of your teeth and gums. When you brush your teeth, you remove the harmful plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. 

Because of this, it can be tempting to brush your teeth vigorously after eating anything, from a big meal to a small snack. However, ironically enough, it turns out that you can over-brush your teeth, which can also cause damage to your teeth and gums. 

Since over-brushing your teeth can happen, our team led by Nodesh Shyamsunder, BDS, and Jasleen Raina, DDS, at Beaches Dentistry in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, discusses proper brushing technique to ensure you neither over or underbrush your pearly whites.

What does it mean to over-brush?

Over-brushing, also called toothbrush abrasion, can refer to brushing your teeth too hard, too long, or too often. Signs of over-brushing include dental abrasion, quick-fraying toothbrushes, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession. 

When you brush your teeth with too much vigor too often, you can wear down the enamel of your teeth, eventually revealing the sensitive dentin underneath. As your enamel chips away, you may see shiny yellow spots of dentin shining through. Exposed dentin and receding gums can both cause severe tooth pain and sensitivity. 

If over-brushing happens too long, it can cause irreversible damage, eventually leading to oral health issues such as cavities or tooth loss.

What are some healthy brushing habits?

While it’s always important to brush after you eat to wash away any potentially harmful bacteria, you should aim to clean your teeth no more than three times a day and no less than two. 

When you brush your teeth, here are some essential guidelines to follow to protect your teeth and gums from harm:

• Always wait to brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating 
• Brush for about two minutes using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
• Go slowly and use gentle pressure as you move your toothbrush in circular motions
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

In addition, if your toothbrushes go bad after a couple of weeks, it’s a sign that you’re over-brushing. Take extra care to be gentle with your teeth and supplement your oral hygiene routine with flossing and mouthwash.

If you’re concerned about over-brushing (or under-brushing), our team would like to examine your teeth and discuss any adjustments you need to make in your teeth-brushing routine. Schedule an appointment with us by calling or using our online booking feature today.