Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, but is it possible to overdo it when brushing your teeth?
Dentists universally recommend the 2/2 rule: brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime. Brushing three times a day is acceptable, especially if you consume food that tends to stick between your teeth or leaves a strong aftertaste.
However, excessive brushing—more than three times a day—can lead to adverse effects. So, you might ask, "Can you brush your teeth too much?" The answer is yes; when it comes to dental care, moderation is key.
Risks of Over Brushing Your Teeth
Over-brushing your teeth not only refers to "how much" you brush your teeth but also "how" you brush them. Compulsive or over-vigorous brushing can lead to oral health problems and put your mouth at risk for dental abrasion, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession.
Toothbrush Abrasion
According to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, dental abrasion occurs when mechanical forces from an external object lead to the loss of tooth structure. In this scenario, excessive brushing with a toothbrush can erode the tooth enamel, eventually affecting the softer dentin and cementum layers. Signs of abrasion include worn, shiny areas on the tooth surface, often accompanied by yellow or brown spots near the gumline. Additionally, notching—a wedge or V-shaped indentation along the gumline—may also indicate dental abrasion.
Tooth Sensitivity
Toothbrush abrasion can lead to tooth sensitivity when it wears away the protective enamel layer, exposing the nerve endings in the dentin underneath. This exposure or proximity of the nerve endings to the surface can result in discomfort or pain when your teeth encounter hot, cold, sweet, or sour substances, or during brushing.
Gum Recession
Continued overzealous and improper brushing can contribute to gum recession. As the gums recede, the softer cementum covering the tooth root becomes exposed and susceptible to damage. Exposed cementum is prone to erosion and notching, resulting in sensitivity and discomfort. Additionally, it becomes more susceptible to decay, further compromising dental health.
How to Protect Teeth After Over Brushing
If left unaddressed, dental abrasion and gum recession can lead to cavities and even tooth loss. Your dentist may recommend treatments to address toothbrush abrasion and tooth sensitivity, such as applying fluoride varnish to strengthen the tooth surface, bonding tooth-colored fillings over abraded areas, or using veneers to cover exposed dentin. In cases of gum recession caused by over brushing, the gums may not regenerate fully on their own. Gum grafting surgery may be necessary to replace the missing gum tissue and protect the exposed cementum.
Prevention Through Proper Brushing Technique and Tools
The good news is that preventing over brushing is as simple as adopting the proper teeth brushing technique and tools. Start here:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. You may think stiff bristles will do a better job of cleaning your teeth. Still, they increase your chances of dental abrasion and gum recession.
- Check your toothpaste. Toothpaste with high abrasive agents can also accelerate the process of tooth loss. Instead, look for a toothpaste that's rich in calcium and fluoride to help strengthen your tooth enamel.
- Use the proper technique. Want to know if you're brushing too hard? Check your toothbrush. If the bristles become flattened and frayed within a couple of weeks, you might be using too much pressure. Try using this brushing technique instead.
- Don't brush right after eating. Wait at least 60 minutes after eating or drinking to brush your teeth, especially if you have consumed something acidic like lemons or soda. Instead, drink water or chew sugarless gum to freshen your breath while you're waiting.
- Check your other habits. Over-brushing isn't the only cause of abrasion. Suppose you have the habit of opening bottles with your teeth, holding nails or pins in your mouth, or biting your fingernails. In that case, those activities could also cause dental abrasion or even a broken tooth. Lip or tongue piercings can also wear away at your enamel.
Just remember, if you're looking for a spotless smile, over brushing is not your answer. When you use the appropriate tools and implement a gentle but thorough brushing technique, you'll win the race for clean teeth and a healthy mouth every time.