By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    headphones can create health problems
    The Harmful Health Effects of Using Headphones
    September 24, 2021
    Headache causes
    4 Causes Of Headache You Probably Didn’t Know About
    December 28, 2021
    follow these steps to recover from your injury
    What Steps Should You Take to Recover More Quickly from an Injury?
    April 12, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Cash Transfers: Good for HIV/AIDS Too
    August 9, 2012
    unnecessary medical tests
    Eagerly Awaiting the Death of Defensive Medicine
    September 5, 2013
    Image
    Mobile Health Around the Globe – mHealth Fighting Malnutrition in India
    December 17, 2012
    Latest News
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: A Guide To The Dangers Of Over Brushing Our Teeth
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Dental health > A Guide To The Dangers Of Over Brushing Our Teeth
Dental healthSpecialties

A Guide To The Dangers Of Over Brushing Our Teeth

Ryan Kh
Ryan Kh
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

We all know the benefits of keeping on top of our oral hygiene. Many of us will have been taught how and when to brush our teeth from a very early age and have probably practiced certain dental hygiene habits for many years. Most people tend to brush at least twice a day, with some brushing after every meal and before bed. We’re told that frequent brushing is one of the best ways to keep our teeth looking and feeling clean and healthy. But we can sometimes be a little over enthusiastic when it comes to caring for our pearly whites and over brushing your teeth could lead to some very undesirable consequences. Below are some of the main dangers of over brushing:

Contents
Toothbrush AbrasionGum RecessionTooth SensitivitySummary

Toothbrush Abrasion

According to a dentist in South Melbourne, brushing your teeth with too much force could lead to tooth abrasion. Tooth abrasion is when your tooth enamel and cementum (the substance that protects the root of the tooth) is worn down. Although enamel is one of the strongest substances in our bodies, once it has worn away, it is impossible for the body to restore. Using a toothbrush with hard bristles, using abrasive toothpaste and vigorous brushing could lead to enamel abrasion over time. Habits such as biting your nails, holding hard objects such as pens or pins between your teeth and opening bottles with your teeth can also lead to tooth abrasion. If you start to notice discoloration or sensitivity to hot or cold drinks these could be the first signs of enamel abrasion.

Gum Recession

Another danger of being too heavy handed with your toothbrush is the risk of gum recession. When gums recede, the cementum on the root of the tooth can become exposed. Cementum is a lot softer than tooth enamel and therefore is much more vulnerable to decay and erosion. Similar to tooth abrasion, gum recession is irreversible. What’s more, gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity, pain, and may require surgery in some severe cases.

Tooth Sensitivity

Enamel protects the nerves within our teeth so when this is worn away or eroded due to over brushing this can lead to teeth becoming sensitive. This is due to the nerve endings in our teeth being either so close to the surface of the tooth, or being completely exposed in some severe cases. If your teeth have become sensitive to hot or cold drinks or you are experiencing discomfort when brushing your teeth, this could be a telltale sign that you’re being too forceful with your toothbrush. If you feel that you may be over brushing and therefore damaging your tooth enamel, it may be a good idea to switch to a softer toothbrush. You should also avoid certain oral hygiene products such as whitening toothpaste that can often be too abrasive and lead to tooth sensitivity. Many of us are guilty of using too much pressure when brushing teeth. One way of knowing if you are applying too much pressure is to check your toothbrush. Are you having to replace your brush every couple of weeks? Do the bristles of your brush become flat or frayed? If so it may be time to rethink your brushing habits. Here’s how to brush teeth correctly and avoid over brushing:

More Read

Managing Mental Health In Cancer Patients: A Holistic Perspective
Managing Mental Health In Cancer Patients: A Holistic Perspective
Retirement Communities: Not Your Momma’s “Old Folks Home” Anymore
Is There a Cure for Erectile Dysfunction? 5 Treatment Options to Try
The Future of Psychiatry
Holistic Practices That Will Improve Your Life
  • Always opt for a brush with soft or extra soft bristles. Softer brushes with gently clean your teeth and remove surface stains without damaging your enamel or gums.
  • Opt for toothpaste and mouthwash that aids in strengthening the tooth enamel.
  • Brush your teeth for no longer than 2 minutes at a time.
  • Use small back and forth or circular strokes when brushing and focus of one or two teeth at a time.
  • Using very light pressure work your way around your mouth. Brushing the inside, outside, top and bottom of each tooth.
  • Be sure to brush your tongue thoroughly in order to remove bacteria and keep your breath smelling fresh.

Summary

In short brushing your teeth with too much force will never give you the healthy teeth we all desire. So if you are serious about your dental hygiene be sure to invest in the correct tools for the job and adopt a gentle yet effective brushing technique.

TAGGED:brushing teethdental caredentistryover brushingoverbrushingteethtooth brushingtoothbrush
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Ryan Kh
Follow:
Ryan Kh is an experienced blogger, digital content & social marketer. Founder of Catalyst For Business and contributor to search giants like Yahoo Finance, MSN. He is passionate about covering topics like big data, business intelligence, startups & entrepreneurship. Email: ryankh14@icloud.com

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

9 Lifestyle Tweaks That Can Add Years to Your Life
9 Healthcare Lifestyle Tweaks That can Add Years to Your Life
lifestyle
July 11, 2025
car accident lawsuit
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
Policy & Law
July 6, 2025
women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025

You Might also Like

Dental healthSpecialties

Can Teeth Whitening Kits Really Improve Your Smile?

June 17, 2019
Orthopaedics

Four Ways to Banish Back Pain For Good

October 9, 2019
Understanding the Connection Between Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Cancer

Understanding the Connection Between Asbestos and Mesothelioma

February 10, 2025

New Blood Test Can Detect Developmental Delays in Babies Post-Pregnancy

January 24, 2014
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?