Member Article

Can You Overbrush Your Teeth?

If you have dark stains, plaque buildup, or breath that won’t remain fresh, you may be tempted to brush your teeth more than twice a day. Perhaps you’re considering giving them a clean after every meal, or more! However, this is not always going to solve your problems, and you may be concerned about creating more harm than good.

So, is it possible to clean your teeth too much? Our dental specialists are available to answer any questions you may have.

Is it bad to overbrush your teeth?

An additional brushing per day may sound like a good idea, especially if you have dental difficulties, but it’s not something we recommend. In fact, cleaning your teeth too hard twice a day might be harmful! If you have yellow stains or are concerned about your breath, it is always preferable to consult a dentist than to start cleaning your teeth again.

What happens if you overbrush your teeth?

There are several reasons why you should avoid brushing your teeth too hard or too frequently. Let’s look at the problems this might cause:

Abrasion of the dental surface

Dental abrasion is a typical issue with overbrushed teeth. Brushing too aggressively or more than twice a day can wear away the enamel and, once gone, the softer structures beneath. Abrasion frequently causes teeth to seem abnormally glossy and worn, with brown and yellow spots forming around the gums.

Gum receding

Brushing your teeth too hard may cause your gums to recede. When this happens, your teeth’s roots become more fragile, as does the weaker cementum, potentially causing discomfort and rotting.

Sensitivity increase

You might expect a lot of sensitivity when the enamel goes away and the gums recede. When you consume hot, cold, sweet, or sour food or drink, the nerves that should be protected become exposed, causing discomfort. It may also begin to hurt when you clean your teeth, which is not a good indication.

Solving problems without overbrushing

If you have dental issues that make you want to brush your teeth more regularly, there are lots of safer, long-term options that will leave you with a mouth full of healthy teeth.

Plaque and stains can be removed with professional dental procedures such as teeth cleaning and teeth whitening. If you have foul breath, a check-up to screen for decay and preserve gum health is significantly superior to overbrushing.

When in doubt, consult your dentist! It’s far better for your oral health, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your teeth are in good care.

Avoiding overbrushing

Overbrushing occurs when the bristles of your toothbrush get flattened after only two weeks of use. Even after a few months, your bristles should be spread but never flattened; if they are, you’re brushing too hard.

Fortunately, once you know how, preventing overbrushing your teeth is simple. Here are some methods for keeping your teeth clean without wearing down your gums or enamel:

• Brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Do not clean your teeth immediately after eating or drinking (wait one hour).
• Use non-abrasive toothpaste that is high in calcium or fluoride.

If you’re concerned about dental issues that are causing you to brush your teeth more than necessary, contact the Yardley Clinic team right away. We’d be delighted to hear about your issues and advise you on the best course of action. Contact us right now at 0121 752 3300 or drop by our Birmingham dental clinic. We’re always happy to assist you with your teeth!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by iCONQUER Ltd .