4 dangers of brushing your teeth too hard
Brushing your teeth is an important part of oral hygiene. However, brushing your teeth too hard and incorrectly can be detrimental to your oral health. Here are the 4 major dangers of brushing your teeth too hard and, above all, how to avoid it.
- Wearing away of tooth enamel
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loss of tooth enamel
Tooth enamel wear
Brushing your teeth with a hard toothbrush and applying too much force can wear away tooth enamel, which is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, tooth enamel wear can lead to tooth sensitivity, tooth decay and other dental problems.
Receding gums
Using a hard toothbrush and applying excessive force creates receding gums.
If we brush too hard, the bristles of the toothbrush can push the gums into an unwanted position and expose the roots of the teeth. In addition, brushing too hard can cause the gums to swell and become more sensitive, which can further increase the risk of gum recession. Ultimately, if receding gums are not properly treated, they can lead to permanent tooth damage, tooth sensitivity and tooth loss.
Receding gums can always increase the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a discomfort that can result from heavy brushing of the teeth. This can cause sudden sharp pain when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by other dental problems, so it is important to visit the dentist to get a proper diagnosis.
Loss of tooth enamel
Depending on the pH in the mouth, heavy brushing can lead to loss of tooth enamel, which can cause a change in the colour of the teeth to a yellowish appearance, as the amount of enamel decreases and the dentine becomes transparent. Loss of tooth enamel can also increase the risk of tooth decay and other dental problems.
To avoid the dangers, it is important to use proper toothbrushing technique. Use a toothbrush with a soft hardness, with the appropriate intensity and brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle towards the gums, using a circular brushing technique.
It is also important to brush your teeth for at least two minutes three times a day and use accessories such as dental floss and mouthwash for a thorough cleaning. Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and dental examinations to detect and treat any dental problems early.
In summary, brushing too hard can have negative effects on our dental health, including enamel wear and tooth sensitivity. It is important to renew our toothbrush regularly to keep it in optimal condition and avoid bacteria build-up on the bristles.
In addition, it is advisable to visit Emardental for regular check-ups and to establish prevention plans with dental health professionals.
Your health is our priority.
Make an appointment at Clinicas Udemax and choose the location that best suits you: Udemax in the outpatient clinics of Policlínica Juaneda, in Arcdental or in Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. For more information, call us on
