Do you also feel like, the more you brush your teeth, the more your teeth will shine bright? Doctors always recommend brushing your teeth twice to maintain good oral health, but if it is done at a much higher frequency, it can cause adverse damage. A good oral health doesn’t necessarily mean you must overbrush your teeth. Let’s understand better when you are overbrushing your teeth.
What is Overbrushing?
Let’s start with what overbrushing is. In simple language, overbrushing means when you brush your teeth for too long, too hard and too often. In medical language, overbrushing is known as ‘Toothbrush Abrasion’. Some people do it knowingly, others unknowingly. Excessive brushing of teeth can destroy the enamel on your teeth and harm your gums, exposing the sensitive root area.
What happens when you overbrush your tooth? Signs and symptoms:-
Bleeding Gums: Over-tooth brushing can lead to bleeding gums. It can weaken your gums and you may notice blood spit every time you brush your teeth. Excessive brushing of teeth can damage and disturb the thinnest layer of the teeth resulting in bleeding of the gums.
Gum Recession: Over-brushing gums can cause gum recession. It is when your gum tissues pull away exposing the root of your teeth. Gum recessions make your teeth more prone to cavities and your teeth can become sensitive to eating and brushing. If it is left untreated, it can lead to painful tooth problems.
Tooth Sensitivity: Overbrushed teeth are also prone to sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity causes pain and discomfort while eating, brushing and drinking. You may feel sudden discomfort while eating anything cold or hot. When tooth abrasion wears the gum tissue away, the tooth’s root becomes exposed, causing tooth sensitivity.
Enamel Erosion: Enamel erosion or tooth erosion wears off the teeth’s hardest and protective layers causing erosion in the exposed areas. Over-tooth brushing can weaken the tissues and or soften the enamel.
Damaged Toothbrush: If the bristles of your toothbrush are flattened or frayed within a month, it means you are putting too much pressure on brushing your teeth. Dentists usually recommend changing toothbrushes every three months. If your toothbrush is frayed, it means you are over-brushing and you immediately need to stop.
How do you know if you are overbrushing?
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for oral hygiene but over-brushing can be dangerous. Are you overbrushing your teeth? Let’s find out!
- You over-brush your teeth after every meal.
- You noticed blood spit.
- You are using a toothbrush for more than its duration i.e., 3 months.
- You noticed discolouration.
- You are putting too much pressure while brushing.
- You feel pain and discomfort.
- Your gum hurts when you eat something hot or cold.
- Your toothbrush bristles are frayed and flattened.
- Your gums are weakened or softened.
- Your root of the tooth is exposed.
- Your teeth are becoming less shinier.
Preventive measures for Overbrushed teeth.
Now you know that over-brushing your teeth can cause numerous tooth problems which, if left untreated can become harmful. It could lead to cavities and teeth loss. Here are some tips to protect your teeth.
Using a good toothbrush: You have to ensure you use a good toothbrush with soft bristles. Maintaining proper hygiene by changing the toothbrush every 3 months is a must. Perfora’s Electric Toothbrush Models come with a smart indicator bristle and can be enabled with a 2-minute timer to avoid overbrushing.
Using the right technique: Focus on gently brushing with a circular motion. Do not put pressure and do not go beyond 2 minutes. Overbrushed teeth mean going beyond 2 minutes with added pressure or being too hard on teeth.
Don’t go overboard: A good two-time brushing is enough for your teeth. Brushing more than two times will only harm your gums and not strengthen them.
Use the right angle: Hold your brush at 45-degree angle and use short backs and strokes.
Check your toothpaste: Sometimes, toothpaste with chemicals may cause ulcers or irritation, be mindful while purchasing a toothpaste. Perfora’s toothpastes have natural ingredients like neem extracts. Learn more about understanding the ingredients in your toothpaste here.
Avoid brushing right after eating: Dentists recommend waiting at least 20 to 30 mins after having a meal to go for brushing at night.
Avoid any stunts: No need to become superhuman and use your teeth for stunts like opening a bottle, holding pins in your mouth or biting nails. These habits can also lead to tooth abrasion and teeth breaking.
Takeaway tips:
- Rely on preventive care rather than reactive care for your teeth. Keep a check on your oral hygiene and get it treated as soon as possible.
- For good dental care, overbrushing of teeth is not the answer. Be gentle and use the right technique for better results.
- Overbrushing of teeth is not a sign of healthier teeth rather it weakens the gums and gets them exposed.
- Get in touch with a doctor as and when you feel any discomfort.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential but what is more critical is to be mindful while brushing. Normal brushing twice a day can do better results with no adverse effects in the long run. Say no to overbrushing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Overbrushing
1. How do I know if I am overbrushing?
You might be overbrushing when facing regular dental issues related to gums, cavities, tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, bleeding gums, dis-colouration and gum recession. You may also notice bristles worn away or misshaped.
2. What does overbrushing feel like?
Overbrushing will lead to sensitivity. You will feel pain and irritation while drinking cold drinks and eating hot foods. With overbrushed teeth, you are tearing the protective layer.
3. What do overbrush teeth look like?
Overbrush teeth may look yellow due to enamel erosion, and gum recession which lead to wearing off the hard part of the teeth exposing the roots.
4. Can frayed toothbrush bristles cause tooth problems?
Yes, frayed and flattened bristles can cause many tooth problems. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes because they are less likely to cause permanent damage.
5. Can overbrushing cause cavities?
Yes, overbrushing can cause cavities since it damages the tooth enamel leaving your teeth prone to cavities.