5 Tips Dentists Have for Over-Eager Tooth Brushers

While some of us need to be reminded to brush our teeth, others have the opposite problem: tooth brushing that is too frequent or too vigorous. Whether it comes from being absent-minded while brushing or a desire for cleaner, whiter teeth, for some of us, over-brushing has become a bad habit.

If this sounds like you, don’t worry – we’re here to help! Here are five things the Tauranga-based dentists at Duncan Dental want over-eager tooth-brushers to know.

1. Yes, it is possible to over-brush your teeth

While you may be doing an A plus job at trying to remove plaque, there are problems that can arise from brushing your teeth too aggressively. The first concern is eroding your enamel, your teeth’s protective layer. The other worry dentists have about over-brushing is gum recession, which is when the gums below your teeth deteriorate, exposing the root. Both eroded enamel and receding gums can lead to teeth sensitivity and discomfort.

2. Over-brushing won’t lead to whiter teeth

If your over-brushing habit comes from a desire to have whiter teeth, the aggressive brushing is all in vain. A longer or more vigorous brushing session will not brush away any staining materials or improve your teeth’s colour or shine. If you do want whiter teeth, call our Tauranga dental clinic about teeth whitening options that actually work.

3. Be gentle with your teeth

Your dentist doesn’t want you to stop brushing your teeth; what we want is to change your technique. First, make sure you have a soft-bristled toothbrush. Then, hold your toothbrush next to your teeth and angle the bristles slightly below the gums, brushing carefully and gently.

If you’re an over-brusher, you will probably need to actively work on being gentle while you move your toothbrush around your mouth. Instead of zoning out and furiously brushing, be aware of what you are doing, where you are holding your toothbrush, and how hard you are brushing.  

4. Stick to two minutes

If you’re doing it gently, exceeding the two-minute tooth brushing limit is no big deal. But if you’re an over-brusher, chances are you aren’t being very gentle! If this is the case, dentists recommend really trying to stick to two minutes of brushing in the morning, and two minutes before bed. Count in your head, use your stopwatch app, or play a two-minute-long song to keep within the time limit.

5. Your dentist or dental hygienist can help

If you need help improving your tooth brushing technique, speak to your dental hygienist. They can show you precisely how to hold your toothbrush and how much pressure will give you a good clean. If you’ve started to notice the tooth sensitivity that can come with over-brushing, speak to your Tauranga dentist. They can often treat mild gum recession before it becomes severe.

To book an appointment at one of our Tauranga dental clinics, get in touch with Duncan Dental today.

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