Overbrushing or excessive brushing seems like a very normal thing in our daily life, doesn't it? But brushing your teeth too much can cause several oral health problems. Excessive brushing can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum recession, enamel erosion and cavities. Doctors encourage patients to brush their teeth twice a day because it helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris from the teeth but at the same time, when you brush your teeth too much, it can drastically damage the enamel of the teeth, exposing the roots.
Let’s understand Overbrushing or Excessive Brushing
Overbrushing of teeth, also known as tooth abrasion, means vigorous brushing of teeth which can lead to sensitive teeth and receding gums. When you brush your teeth too much it can destroy the enamel on your teeth and harm your gums, exposing the sensitive root area. Brushing your teeth anywhere more than twice and exceeding 2 mins is considered overbrushing.
What happens if you brush your teeth too much? The Dangers of Excessive Brushing!
Receding Gums- Heavy hand movement while brushing can cause gums to recede easily. It weakens the roots which creates huge gaps between the teeth and the gum line.
Sensitive Teeth- Brushing your teeth too much leads to sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity gives you pain and discomfort while eating, brushing and drinking. You may feel sudden discomfort while eating anything cold or hot.
Bleeding Gums- One of the main causes of bleeding gum is overbrushing. Overbrushing weakens the gum line resulting in spontaneous bleeding of gums.
Cavities- When you overbrush teeth too much, the enamel wears off easily. Without cementum to protect the teeth, they become more prone to decay.
Tooth Loss- In several instances, there are chances of tooth loss due to overbrushing.
Symptoms of Overbrushing
Many-a-times we unknowingly overbrush our teeth which leads to several oral health issues. Over-brushing teeth symptoms are -
- Sensitive Tooth
- Bleeding Gums
- Exposed Roots of Teeth
- Pain and discomfort
- Discolouration
- Damaged Toothbrush
- Weakened Gums
Preventive Measures
Now, the question is how do we prevent it?
- Consciously brush your teeth within 2 minutes.
- Brushing your teeth twice a day and not more than that.
- Use the right techniques while brushing by focusing on gently brushing with a circular motion.
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush and good toothpaste.
The Role of Dental Professionals in Managing Overbrushed Teeth
Toothbrush Abrasion- A dental professional can use fluoride varnish to strengthen the tooth’s surface or cover the exposed area with a tooth-coloured filling or veneer.
Tooth Sensitivity- A dentist can provide treatment for tooth sensitivity which will help in regaining the strength of the roots.
Gum Recession- A dentist can help patients with gum grafting surgery for gum recession caused by overbrushing. The surgery may replace the missing gum tissue and protect the cementum.
Preventive Care- The dental professionals can help you prevent overbrushing in the first once you start visiting for regular checkups. Regular checkups can help you prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Diagnosis and treatment- Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat various dental conditions. They will use various tools to assess the health of your teeth and gums.
Oral Hygiene Education- A dental professional can provide you with guidance through proper oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. They can also provide personalized recommendations for oral care products.
Conclusion
Most of the time we overbrush without realizing its consequences. When we overbrush our teeth too much, it weakens the gums resulting in gum recession, tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, cavities and even tooth loss. Brushing our teeth should be done with enough consciousness so that we don’t overdo it. Moreover, we must keep a check on our gum health, and get regular screening done so that we can avoid last-minute emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Overbrushing:-
1. What happens if you brush too much?
When you brush too much, it can result in gum recession where the gum starts to pull away from the teeth exposing tooth roots.
2. What damage can be caused by bad brushing?
Poor brushing habits can cause tooth decay, enamel wearing off, bad breath, discolouration and gum bleeding. One must not brush their teeth for more than 2 mins.
3. What if I brush my teeth 5 times a day?
It is not advisable to brush your teeth more than twice daily. If you overbrush your teeth 5 times, it can damage your teeth and gum.
4. How often should I visit my dentist?
It is recommended to visit your dentist for regular screening and checkups every six months but it can vary from person to person.
5. What happens if you brush your teeth too much?
Over-brushing teeth symptoms are weakening your teeth and gum resulting in bad breath, discolouration, gum bleeding and tooth loss.