As children, we are taught from an early age that it is very important to get into a good routine with oral hygiene. We are often told we should brush our teeth twice a day for around two minutes per session - that’s around 30 seconds per quadrant of the mouth.



However, if tooth brushing isn’t done correctly or the wrong kind of brush is used it can cause problems of its own. Over brushing is a huge problem when it comes to keeping our teeth healthy

What is Over Brushing?

Over brushing, which can sometimes be referred to as toothbrush abrasion, can be caused by several things. Whilst brushing your teeth for longer than the recommended 2 minutes twice a day may make you believe your teeth are even cleaner, this isn’t true and you are in fact over brushing them which could eventually cause damage.

Using a brush that is too big or too firm could also lead to over brushing as well. If the brush does not fit easily in your mouth then it is probably too big so if you are not sure what sort of toothbrush to choose you could always speak to your dentistor a member of staff at your dental practice, and they will point you in the right direction.

What damage does over brushing cause?

Over brushing can lead to the thinning of the enamel on your teeth. Enamel that is thinner is more brittle and this can in turn leave you teeth more prone to cavities and tooth decay.

Gum damage can also occur as a result of overbrushing. As well as being damaged, the gum could end up being pushed back potentially exposing the sensitive root area of the tooth and leading to further issues.

If gums recede in this way it can lead to other dental issues, such as periodontal disease and even cavities at the roots of the teeth. Not only will these cause discomfort but they could prove costly, leading to treatments such as fillings, root canal and even the removal of a tooth.

London City Smiles

Don’t brush harder or longer - brush smarter to avoid damaging your teeth from over brushing. If you have any concerns about your teeth, think you may have caused damage already by over brushing, or would like to discuss the best way to brush them then why not have a chat with your dentist - at London City Smiles we are always happy to help.