Walled Lake, MI Dentist and Periodontist

At Jacobson Dental Group of Walled Lake, we often hear from patients who are dedicated to their oral hygiene routine. Many people brush their teeth twice a day, sometimes even after every meal. While brushing regularly is essential for preventing plaque and tooth decay, did you know it’s possible to brush too much? Overbrushing can lead to various dental problems, including dental abrasion, sensitivity, and gum recession.

What is Overbrushing?

Overbrushing refers to both how often and how aggressively you brush. Using too much force or brushing too frequently can harm your teeth and gums, causing more harm than good. As your trusted dentist in Walled Lake, we want to help you understand the risks and how to prevent damage from overbrushing.

Dental Abrasion

Dental abrasion occurs when excessive brushing wears down your tooth enamel. According to the University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, abrasion happens due to mechanical forces from brushing. Over time, this can erode the enamel, exposing the softer dentin and cementum layers. You might notice shiny, yellow, or brown spots near your gum line, or even a V-shaped groove where the gum meets the tooth.

Tooth Sensitivity

Once the enamel is worn away, the dentin layer beneath becomes exposed. Since dentin contains tiny nerve endings, it can lead to tooth sensitivity. You may experience discomfort when your teeth encounter hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Even brushing your teeth can become painful if you’re dealing with sensitivity.

Gum Recession

In addition to damaging your teeth, overbrushing can cause your gums to recede. When gums pull back, they expose the root’s cementum, a softer tissue that is prone to decay and wear. Gum recession not only increases sensitivity but also raises the risk of tooth decay and even tooth loss.

How to Protect Your Teeth After Overbrushing

If you suspect you’re overbrushing and have already noticed symptoms like gum recession or sensitivity, there are treatments that can help. At Jacobson Dental Group of Walled Lake, we offer several options, including fluoride varnishes to strengthen enamel, tooth-colored bonding to cover exposed dentin, or veneers to protect the tooth’s surface. In severe cases of gum recession, gum grafting might be necessary to replace lost tissue and shield the exposed root.

Preventing Overbrushing

Luckily, avoiding overbrushing is easy with the right technique and tools.

Here’s how you can protect your teeth:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Hard bristles can wear down your enamel and cause gum recession. Stick with soft bristles for a gentler clean.
• Choose a low-abrasive toothpaste: Toothpaste with high levels of abrasive agents can accelerate enamel loss. Opt for a toothpaste containing calcium and fluoride to help strengthen your teeth.
• Brush gently: If your toothbrush bristles are fraying after just a few weeks, you’re brushing too hard. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line and use a soft, circular motion.
• Wait after eating: After consuming acidic foods or drinks, such as citrus or soda, wait at least 60 minutes before brushing. This gives your enamel time to re-harden and prevents further damage.
• Check your habits: Overbrushing isn’t the only cause of abrasion. Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, bite nails, or handle small objects like pins. Even lip or tongue piercings can wear down enamel over time.

By using the proper brushing technique and being mindful of your habits, you can maintain a healthy smile without causing damage. If you’re concerned about your brushing habits or think you might be overbrushing, our team at Jacobson Dental Group of Walled Lake is here to help.

Schedule Your Appointment

Achieving clean teeth and a healthy mouth doesn’t require aggressive brushing—just the right approach. Contact Jacobson Dental Group of Walled Lake today to schedule an appointment and keep your smile in great shape. As your trusted dentist in Walled Lake, we are committed to helping you maintain excellent oral health for years to come.