More brushing leads to excessive plaque removal and cleaner teeth. However, excessive brushing while maintaining oral hygiene is not what most people understand it to be. It’s safe to say that whenever you consult a family dentist Phoenix, be it a general or specialized one, they all agree that brushing your teeth usually once or twice a day is more than enough.
There is a catch: overbrushing can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums and even dental issues. So, let’s examine the topic more thoroughly and understand what overbrushing is.
What is Overbrushing?
While excessive brushing is rightfully known as overbrushing, it mainly involves brushing your teeth with excessive force for too long or too many times a day. This can also be termed ‘toothbrush abrasion,’ as the enamel and gum tissue could be damaged.
A common misconception of many people is that they think they are aiding their oral health by overstressing themselves while brushing their teeth, although most of the time, they do not even think about it.
Risks of Over-Brushing Your Teeth
The misconception that has contributed to brushing becoming more dangerous than it should be is that it is assumed to be how often brushing is done while, in reality, it is not so. Struggling to recollect the last time you brushed with solid pressure or using the wrong technique long-term can directly impact the state of your oral cavity. Some issues that may arise due to those above are dental abrasion, sensitive teeth, and gum recession.
1) Toothbrush Abrasion
According to research published in the Journal of Advanced Medical and Dental Sciences Research, Tooth abrasions are caused by the habitual contact of a tooth with a foreign object.
This condition might be a result of many habits or job-related activities. For example, some people crack nuts or bite their nails, and others, such as carpenters, tailors, or musicians, may chip their teeth edges due to repetitive tasks. Also, aggressive brushing techniques add to the abrasion, exposing the softer dentin and cementum. Among the telltales that indicate toothbrush abrasion is the causative area at the gum level changing to shiny, yellow, or brown and the notch pulping the edge of the gum.
2) Tooth Sensitivity
The dentin beneath the enamel is subsequently exposed when toothbrush abrasion pushes back the enamel. The dentin has tiny nerve endings, which could lead to sensitivity concerns when exposed or close to the surface. This sensitivity often leads to pain or discomfort while brushing or eating hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods.
3) Gum Recession
People who brush aggressively using improper techniques can experience gum recession, a loss of surrounding gum tissue the teeth. The cementum covering these roots is much softer and can easily be worn, decayed, or damaged.
Recession of gums is painful and uncomfortable and threatens to increase cavities and infections in particular areas, all of which emphasize the need to deal with this concern promptly.
Treatments to Protect Teeth After Over-Brushing
In the case where there are severe repercussions as a result of over-brushing, people should consult a doctor. Furthermore, dentists may recommend the following:
Fluoride varnish is employed to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Bonding or veneers: This serves the purpose of covering the abraded areas with tooth-colored materials.
Gum grafting: This procedure aims to repair receded gums and protect exposed roots.
Such interventions can help restrict further happenings of such events and issues in the oral department.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to several issues, including heart disease, due to over- and underbrushing. Another consequence is using an inappropriate technique or toothbrush. Therefore, proper brushing is the way forward.
