• Overbrushing: Too Much of a Good Thing?

    Overbrushing: Too Much of a Good Thing?

    Brushing regularly is considered vital for healthy teeth and gums, but dental experts warn that you can overdo it.  Known as “toothbrush abrasion,” overbrushing can lead to sensitive teeth and receding gums.

    Vigorous brushing can wear down the enamel on your teeth and damage your gums, exposing the sensitive root area.  Receding gums can also lead to other dental problems, such as periodontal disease and cavities on the roots of the teeth.  This may lead to the need of treatments such as fillings, root canals and tooth extraction.

    The people most at risk for tooth or gum damage from overbrushing are those who are particularly diligent about their oral care and those who use medium or hard-bristled toothbrushes.  Other factors, such as genetic predisposition to receding gums, clenching or grinding your teeth or having had your teeth straightened with braces, can increase your risk for damage from overbrushing.

    Changing brushing habits can usually stop the problem from getting worse.  In cases of severe toothbrush abrasion, dentists can fill in the grooves with bonding material.

    Proper Brushing Technique

    What’s important when brushing your teeth is not how  hard you brush, but rather that you brush properly and thoroughly.  And that takes time.  Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for two to three minutes to get the most thorough cleaning.  Here are some other tips for brushing your teeth correctly.

    • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum damage and wear on the soft tooth dentin (the less mineralized layer of tooth found just under the enamel) and in the root area.  If you’re accustomed to a hard-bristled toothbrush, switching to a softer toothbrush will help you avoid abrasion.

     

    • Place the head of your toothbrush with the tops of the bristles at a 45-degree-angle to the gumline when brushing.

     

    • Move the toothbrush with short strokes and a scrubbing motion, several times in each spot – don’t saw back and forth across the teeth with your toothbrush.

     

    • Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums.  If you’re bending the bristles, you’re brushing too hard.

     

    Delta Dental

    Leave a reply →

Leave a reply

Cancel reply

Features

  • Complete Dental

    We’ve been dentists in Sacramento since 1961, offering complete dental care. We take care of your entire oral health. No expensive specialists to deal with. We aim to be the only dentist you’ll need.

  • Orthodontic Braces

    Did you know we do braces too? Read more to find out how we can give you the smile that you’ve always wanted.

  • Family Matters

    We are three generations of dentists. We want to provide the best dental care. Let our family take care of your family.

  • Dental Care for Kids

    Get your children started on improving their oral hygiene. We’ll give you some tips to make it easier. Also, starting at age two, kids should begin their regular checkups with the dentist as well.