Some dental customers approach their teeth with the same vigor as if they were polishing an old floor—that is, they work them much too hard! Too-hard brushing is perhaps the most frequent error patients make in their dental care regimen, and it may be harmful to the gums and teeth if not addressed immediately.
What kinds of problems can be caused by brushing too hard?
- Gums that are receding
- Bone loss in the area of the teeth
- Teeth loss is a common occurrence.
- Tooth sensitivity, particularly to extremes of heat and cold
- Enamel that has become brittle
Overbrushing may cause your gums to recede and expose the neck of your teeth, which can cause pain and discomfort. Due to the fact that this portion of the tooth is not covered by hard enamel like the rest of the tooth, the soft inner layer, known as dentin, is exposed on this side. Dentin is very sensitive to heat and cold, and it is also significantly more prone to bacterial deterioration than other tissues. When the gums recede as a result of incorrect brushing, the condition is typically permanent.
Using the appropriate technique to clean your teeth
So you’re already aware that you should wash your teeth twice a day, so why not do it correctly? First and foremost, unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Marianne Cohan, you should always brush using a soft bristled brush rather than a medium or hard bristled brush. In most cases, cleaning your teeth twice a day for two minutes is sufficient, unless you have braces or certain oral health conditions.
When you brush your teeth and gums, the primary goal is to eliminate plaque from your teeth and gums. Plaque is essentially a soft substance that is formed by the accumulation of germs, saliva, and food waste. It is not necessary to brush vigorously in order to eliminate plaque; instead, be sure to aim your toothbrush towards the gum line (where plaque tends to accumulate) and brush in tiny circular strokes, never in back and forth motions.
It’s also a good idea to use a gentle touch while holding your toothbrush. People have a tendency to brush harder when they grip their toothbrush more tightly.
Are there any queries you still have concerning correct teeth brushing technique or gum health? Inquire with any member of our staff or Dr. Marianne Cohan on your next visit to our Las Vegas office near you; we’ll be pleased to assist you!
GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted 15 – time Best of Las Vegas from The Las Vegas Review-Journal. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Why Brushing Too Hard Damages Your Teeth
Q1: Can brushing my teeth too hard actually cause damage?
Yes. Aggressive brushing wears away enamel (the protective outer layer of your teeth) and causes gum recession (gums pulling back from the teeth, exposing sensitive root surfaces). Dr. Cohan at Summerlin Dental Solutions frequently sees both problems in patients who believe harder brushing means cleaner teeth.
Q2: How do I know if I am brushing too hard?
Signs include frayed or flattened toothbrush bristles within a month, receding gums or gum tissue that looks lower than before, tooth sensitivity (especially near the gumline), visible notches worn into the teeth at the gumline, and gum tenderness or bleeding during brushing.
Q3: What is the correct amount of pressure when brushing?
Use only enough pressure to feel the bristles against your teeth and gums — approximately the weight of an orange. If you are pressing hard enough to bend the bristles significantly, you are using too much force. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can alert you when you press too hard.
Q4: Can gum recession from overbrushing be reversed?
Once gum tissue recedes, it does not grow back on its own. Mild recession may stabilize with corrected brushing technique. Moderate to severe recession may require gum grafting surgery. Prevention through proper technique is far easier and less expensive than treating the damage.
Q5: What type of toothbrush should I use to avoid damage?
Always use a soft-bristle brush — never medium or hard. The hygiene team at Summerlin Dental Solutions recommends electric toothbrushes with built-in pressure sensors because they automatically reduce power if you press too hard, protecting both enamel and gum tissue.
Q6: Does a soft toothbrush clean as well as a hard one?
Yes. Plaque is soft and is easily removed by soft bristles with proper technique. Hard bristles provide no cleaning advantage and only increase the risk of enamel and gum damage. Your dental hygienist at Summerlin Dental Solutions can confirm this at your next cleaning.
Q7: What brushing technique does Dr. Cohan recommend?
Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, use gentle circular or short back-and-forth strokes, brush for a full two minutes, and let the bristles do the work without applying pressure. Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth, plus your tongue.
Q8: Can enamel worn away from overbrushing be repaired?
Enamel does not regenerate once lost. Minor enamel thinning increases sensitivity and makes teeth more vulnerable to staining and decay. If significant enamel has been lost, Dr. Cohan may recommend dental bonding, veneers, or fluoride treatments to protect and restore the affected teeth.
Q9: I have been brushing hard my whole life — is it too late to change?
It is never too late to adopt correct technique and prevent further damage. Even if some recession or enamel loss has occurred, switching to a soft brush and gentle technique stops the progression. Dr. Cohan can assess the current state of your teeth and gums and create a recovery plan.
Q10: How can I break the habit of brushing too hard?
Switch to an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor, hold the brush with just your fingertips (not a full fist grip), consciously relax your hand and arm while brushing, and set a timer for two minutes so you do not rush (rushing encourages harder strokes). Your hygienist at Summerlin Dental Solutions can coach you on technique.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
