When dental care turns into a dental threat.

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly then you’ll probably suffer from dental problems sooner rather than later. This is a serious and all too common problem that dentists have to deal with. However, the opposite can also be true. If you brush too often, or too hard, it can cause damage to your teeth and gums that can be almost as serious as the problems caused by neglect. So, here’s how to find a balance between dental care and damage.

The Problem of Over Brushing

Your dentist tells you that you need to brush twice a day and they also say that brushing after meals is a good way to protect your teeth. So, that means you should really brush three times a day, right? Actually, no. Brushing too often, too hard, or for too long can be almost as damaging as not brushing at all and may cause the following problems:

Enamel Wear

Enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it doesn’t grow back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and your teeth will be exposed to the world and to bacteria. This means painful cavities, brittle teeth that may break, and discoloured teeth.

Receding Gums

Over brushing can also push back the gums, eventually revealing the roots of the teeth. This will cause pain and sensitivity and give bacteria a place to gather and grow.

You’re in even more danger of experiencing these problems if you also have issue like teeth grinding, which helps wear away the enamel. That’s why it’s so important that you find the perfect balance between over brushing and brushing enough to protect your oral health.

Good Brushing Habits

The best way to protect your oral health and avoid over brushing is to establish good oral health habits. Here’s how to do that according to the Australian Dental Association:

Use an extra soft toothbrush to avoid enamel and gum damage.
Keep the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line.
Brush your teeth in a circular motion, never in a back and forth motion unless you’re brushing the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Use light strokes because plaque is fairly easy to remove.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and give you fresh breath.
Replace your brush every three months.

And make sure you visit your dentist every six months for a thorough check-up and clean to keep your mouth and smile in the best condition possible.