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.
Dental abrasion refers to the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from a foreign object, according to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. In this case, the enthusiastic use of your toothbrush wears away at the tooth enamel and, eventually, the softer dentin and cementum structures. You can identify abrasion as worn, shiny, and often yellow or brown spots on the tooth near the gumline. Notching — a wedge or V-shaped indention of the tooth along the gumline — is also a sign of abrasion.
When toothbrush abrasion wears away the tooth enamel, the dentin layer's nerve endings either become exposed or close enough to the surface to lead to tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity may cause you to feel discomfort or pain when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or sour stimuli or when you brush your teeth.
Continued overzealous and improper brushing may also cause your gums to recede. When this happens, the softer cementum of the root is exposed and vulnerable. Not only is exposed cementum easily worn away and notched, leading to sensitivity and pain, but it's also more at risk for decay.
If left untreated, dental abrasion and gum recession may lead to cavities and even tooth loss. To address toothbrush abrasion and tooth sensitivity, your dentist may recommend treatments to protect the tooth and cover up the exposed dentin. These treatments might include using a fluoride varnish to strengthen the teeth' surface, bonding a tooth-colored filling over the abraded area, or covering the exposed surface with a veneer. If over brushing has caused your gums to recede, they may never come back to the point where they were. You might require gum grafting surgery to replace the missing gum tissue and protect the exposed cementum in some cases.
The good news is that preventing over brushing is as simple as adopting the proper teeth brushing technique and tools. Start here:
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.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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