Negative Effects of Brushing Too Hard

By now, you probably recognize the many benefits of brushing your teeth. You’ll clear away plaque and keep your gums healthy at the same time. You may think that merely brushing twice a day will keep oral health problems at bay, but using the wrong technique actually can send you to a DFW dental office to seek treatment for a variety of issues.

People can become a little overly enthusiastic about their brushing, pressing down hard in the mistaken belief that they’ll clear away more plaque that way. But as the best dentists will tell you, aggressive brushing can ultimately allow bacteria to wreak more havoc in the mouth.

The most common problem associated with aggressive brushing is receding gums. As the gums shrink, they expose the underlying roots of the teeth, making the teeth more sensitive. Receding gums may also harbor harmful bacteria that can cause periodontal disease.

Receding gums will at least warrant a visit to the dentist for treatment and may necessitate a surgical procedure known as a gum graft if the condition is severe enough.

Brushing too hard can also wear down the enamel of your teeth, weakening them and making the smile less attractive. This issue can make the teeth more susceptible to decay, and the body may not be able to replace the missing enamel.

Brushing your teeth too frequently can also cause similar problems. Most adult patients need to brush only two times a day, for two minutes at a time, although those who are wearing some sort of appliance on the teeth, such as braces, may also need to brush after meals to dislodge any remaining food particles from the appliance.

Be sure that you’re getting all of the benefits associated with twice-daily tooth brushing but none of the harmful effects of overdoing it. If you have signs that suggest you’ve been brushing too hard, bring it up at your next dental check-up. The dental professionals who care for you can evaluate your technique and demonstrate the proper methods to use.