Brushing your teeth twice a day for about two minutes each time is ideal, and it will remove a good amount of bacteria, plaque, and debris from your teeth. But what if you brush more? Most people assume that more is better, so those who are really zealous about their oral health will brush for three or four minutes. However, brushing too long can actually damage your teeth. It is possible to do too much, and you can cause a lot of problems if you always brush for too long.
Overbrushing Can Wear Down Your Enamel
One of the biggest issues with overbrushing sometimes referred to as toothbrush abrasion, is that it can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear down more quickly. This is especially true if you brush after eating or drinking something very sugary or acidic. Those substances actually soften the enamel of your teeth, which is why you should wait about half an hour before brushing anyway. If you brush right after eating and brush for too long, you can do serious damage to your teeth very quickly. If you have been doing this, you may notice that your teeth have become very sensitive and that hot or cold substances hurt to eat and drink.
Overbrushing Also Hurts Your Gums
Brushing too much can also injure your gums. It can cause your gum line to recede, revealing the roots of your teeth. These roots are very sensitive, and you may feel pain when eating or drinking if they are exposed. This also leaves them vulnerable to bacteria. If you suffer from gum disease and tend to overbrush, you may even find that some of your teeth become loose. If you are not sure if you are brushing too much or are concerned that you have damaged your teeth, give us a call. We will examine your teeth and let you know what you can do to improve your oral health.
Brushing your teeth twice a day for about two minutes each time is ideal, and it will remove a good amount of bacteria, plaque, and debris from your teeth. But what if you brush more? Most people assume that more is better, so those who are really zealous about their oral health will brush for three or four minutes. However, brushing too long can actually damage your teeth. It is possible to do too much, and you can cause a lot of problems if you always brush for too long.