Can You Overbrush? | Dentist Near Me
If you're diligent about your oral hygiene, you likely brush your teeth twice a day and may even brush after meals. While regular brushing is essential for removing plaque and preventing tooth decay, you might be wondering, "Can I brush my teeth too much?" Surprisingly, the answer is yes there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to brushing. Overbrushing your teeth can refer to both how often and how aggressively you brush. Brushing too hard or too frequently can put you at risk for issues like dental abrasion, sensitivity, and gum recession. Let's take a closer look. Abrasion According to dental experts, dental abrasion occurs when tooth structure is lost due to mechanical forces, such as overzealous brushing. Vigorous brushing can wear away the enamel and, over time, impact the softer dentin and cementum beneath. Dental abrasion often appears as shiny, yellow, or brown spots near the gum line or as V-shaped indentations. Too...