Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?
If you have bleeding or receding gums due to brushing too hard please contact us to discuss your treatment options.
Can you brush your teeth too hard? This may sound like a myth, but it is in fact true. Whether the culprit is the toothbrush you’re using or the technique itself, overbrushing leads to a host of oral health problems, including bleeding gums.
10 signs you’re overbrushing teeth
There are many symptoms of overbrushing to look out for. You will begin to notice changes in your teeth and gums, and your toothbrush head will also need replacing more frequently. Here are some common signs of overbrushing teeth:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Discomfort when consuming hot or cold food and drinks
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums
- Discolouration around the gumline
- Splayed toothbrush bristles
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Pockets or gaps between teeth
- Tooth loss (extreme cases)
Overbrushing vs. underbrushing teeth
Can you brush your teeth too hard? Yes - and you can also brush your teeth too gently. Underbrushing leads to an accumulation of plaque and tartar which, consequently, increases your chances of gum disease. In addition to this, you may notice side effects such as bad breath.
What’s the correct way to brush teeth?
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. We suggest using an electric toothbrush and toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride for the best clean.
- Start by flossing your teeth with your chosen dental floss.
- Add a pea-sized amount of toothbrush onto the head of your toothbrush.
- Start to gently brush your teeth using short, circular movements. As you do this, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline.
- Repeat this motion across the whole mouth for two minutes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too.
- Spit out any excess toothpaste but do not rinse your mouth with water. This will dilute the protective benefits of any fluoride left lingering on the teeth.
How to fix teeth after brushing too hard
As mentioned earlier, overbrushing results in a number of oral health issues. Luckily, these can be fixed with a number of dental treatments. Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite for a consultation and our expert team will identify the most suitable procedure(s).
Treatment | What can it help fix? |
|---|---|
Fillings | Tooth decay, cavities, wear and tear |
Re-mineralising toothpaste | Enamel erosion, wear and tear |
Prescribed fluoride treatments | Enamel erosion |
Hygienist appointments | Gum disease |
Gum graft | Gum recession |
Nanofill Composite Bonding® | Pockets and gaps between teeth |
Dental crowns | Moderate-severe wear and tear |
Porcelain veneers | Moderate-severe wear and tear |
Teeth whitening | Discolouration |
Dental implants | Tooth loss |
How to prevent overbrushing
Our first tip is to invest in a high-quality electric toothbrush. These devices are extremely handy as they are equipped with pressure sensors, which will identify when you are brushing too hard. Opt for a product with soft bristles to ensure a gentle (yet effective) clean. Another way in which you are able to prevent overbrushing is to take note of how often you are replacing your toothbrush head. Dentists advise swapping the head every three months - however, if the bristles are showing signs of damage within a few weeks of renewing, this could be a sign of overbrushing. In addition to this, using the correct tooth brushing technique is key in preventing overbrushing. If you are scrubbing too hard at the gums, or being too vigorous while going back and forth across the teeth, you can cause irreversible damage. Remember to be gentle! Conclusion: While you may think brushing your teeth very hard or rigorously ensures a better clean, this isn’t the case. If you think you have been overbrushing your teeth and are concerned about the condition of your oral health, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite. We will assess your teeth and gums and provide treatment if needed.