Can over-brushing harm your teeth? Here’s what you need to know

While brushing your teeth is critical to maintaining oral hygiene, doing it too often or using the wrong technique can harm your teeth, leading to problems such as enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and even permanent damage.

The expert warns that excessive or improper brushing of teethwhen combined with a diet high in acidic foods and drinks, can lead to serious dental problems.

“Erosion, in dental terms, is the loss of tooth enamel or dentin due to exposure to acid from acidic foods, drinks or acid reflux,” explains Dr. P. Parthasarathy Reddy, founder and managing director of FMS Dental Clinics in Hyderabad.

“When enamel erodes, it weakens the structure of teeth, causing teeth to become smaller, more sensitive and prone to pain,” says the expert.

Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, sodas and some fruit juices, lower the pH level in the mouth, especially when it falls below the critical enamel pH value of 5.5. This causes calcium ions to dissolve from the enamel, causing permanent damage to the teeth.

Eating acidic foods and chewing at the same time can accelerate this erosion, ultimately leading to tooth sensitivity and pain.

To mitigate the effects of acidity, Dr. Reddy advises avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods. “Brushing your teeth should be done at least two hours after consuming acidic foods or drinks,” he says. “Foods with a pH close to 7 are better for both teeth and overall health.”

For people with mild enamel erosion, dentists can often repair the damage with composite fillings.

But as the erosion worsens, treatment becomes more difficult. “Moderate to severe cases may require root canal treatment, inlays, crowns or veneers,” adds Dr. Reddy.

RISKS OF OVER-CLEANING

Acidic foods can damage not only the enamel, but also brush your teeth too often or use the wrong technique. can also lead to a problem known as abrasion.

“Abrasion typically occurs as a result of brushing horizontally with a hard toothbrush, which wears away the enamel, especially near the neck of the tooth on the buccal side,” notes Dr. Reddy. This type of damage often appears as a saucer-shaped defect and can lead to tooth sensitivity.

To prevent abrasion, Dr. Reddy recommends using a medium or soft toothbrush with minimally abrasive toothpaste and avoiding horizontal brushing movements.

Instead, he advises using the “bass technique” or “modified bass technique,” which is gentler on teeth and gums.

According to the Bass technique, you should hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, position the bristles lightly above the gum line, and brush gently in a circular motion for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently brush the bristles toward the chewing surface to remove plaque, then move on to the next tooth.

PROTECTING YOUR TEETH

Preventing tooth erosion and wear begins with lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Reddy advises patients to avoid acidic foods and drinks as much as possible and to consult a gastroenterologist if acid reflux is a recurring problem.

He emphasizes the importance of using proper brushing techniques and choosing flexible dentures without metal clasps to reduce wear in partial denture wearers.

“Ultimately, protecting your teeth requires a combination of mindful eating, good brushing habits, and regular dental checkups to address any problems that arise early,” says Dr. Reddy.