It's one of those things where we think more effort means more success. We often think that overbrushing our teeth leads to better results — that the more vigorous our brushing, the more thoroughly our teeth are being cleaned.
But there's a problem with that, because our teeth can only handle so much. Overbrushing — which could be forceful brushing combined with the use of a hard-bristled brush and excessively abrasive toothpaste — could result in loss of tooth enamel and cementum (the covering on tooth roots). The mechanical forces can thin out the enamel and other tooth structures that are there to protect the integrity of our teeth in the first place.
The Hidden Damage of Overbrushing
If thinning of enamel and/or tooth root protection occurs, this can lead to tooth sensitivity — nerve endings in the dentin layer become exposed — or gum recession. Once gums recede, they won't come back to where they were originally. It could be a lifelong adjustment, as the process is often irreversible.
Do You Overbrush Your Teeth?
Old habits are hard to break, especially if you've been doing vigorous and forceful brushing for many years. The good news is that you can still reduce the effects of overbrushing by making changes to your brushing techniques.
Choose a Gentle Brush
Start with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Even if you still brush hard, the effects are reduced because a soft-bristled brush exerts less force on enamel.
Use Less Abrasive Toothpaste
Abrasiveness is a double-edged sword — while it helps remove plaque, it also acts on tooth enamel. The effect is aggravated by forceful brushing.
Slow Down Your Brushing
Slowing down and using improved brushing techniques can prevent overbrushing. Often we're in a hurry and brush too quickly and forcefully without realising.
Aside from choosing a gentle brush, it's also important to choose a less abrasive toothpaste. Toothpaste works because it contains abrasive elements and microparticles — such as calcium and aluminium compounds — that help remove residues and plaque build-up. Those same abrasive elements also act on the tooth enamel, and the effect gets aggravated with forceful brushing.
The Fast-Paced Living Problem
Often, we are in a hurry because of work and other responsibilities — most of us have a tendency to brush too quickly and forcefully. In addition, fast-paced living can make us ignore the dentist and our oral hygiene, because after all, maintaining our teeth and gums (plus visiting the dental clinic) takes precious time.
The truth, though, is it could get more time-consuming, more expensive, and more painful if we don't visit the dentist and we neglect our oral health.
Much Better Than Discipline
What can we do then? One of your best defences is to visit the dentist every six months. Aside from the professional cleaning, the dentist will be able to spot problems early and prevent them from getting worse. You could avoid costly procedures — such as tooth implants and root canals — and potentially painful outcomes if the dentist can spot these issues and take action immediately.
Discipline is still important, although a few misses will likely still occur. However, the most reliable strategy is to take the time to visit the dentist — ask if the clinic is open after work hours — to get a professional cleaning and proactive assessment. This way you protect your teeth and gums for the long run.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional clean
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce enamel wear
- Choose a less abrasive toothpaste
- Slow down — brush gently for 2 minutes
- Don't ignore sensitivity or gum changes — see a dentist early