Over-brushing – Can there be too much of a good thing?
Dentists estimate that as much as 80% of the population may be guilty of over-brushing their teeth.
Many of us brush away tooth structure and wear away our teeth using a toothbrush. We may also be brushing incorrectly and/or brushing with the wrong toothbrush.
When a toothbrush is made, the bristles are cut to the same height, and they are jagged edged. Then the sharp edges of the nylon bristles are rounded into soft domes making the bristles safe to use because they don’t scrape away tooth structure.
The bristles get worn away back to its original jaggedness via brushing, which is why dentists recommend you replace your toothbrush often. Toss out that old toothbrush before the bristles splay, because by then, it’s too late. You’ve been using a worn toothbrush that is too abrasive and has been wearing away your tooth structure. Not worth it for the minimal cost of a new toothbrush.
Research best-made toothbrushes! People love to give reviews. Read them.
Some toothbrushes are made better than others and take more care in the rounding process. If you brush your teeth twice a day, which is the recommended amount of brushing, you should buy a new toothbrush once every month. If you’re over-brushing, your toothbrush bristles will tell the tale.
Don’t forget to brush your poor forgotten tongue either. Your tongue is porous and can collect germs. Brush it gently and thoroughly each time you brush your teeth.
Go easy on the over-brushing. Feel free to floss away though as you really can’t do that too much and use mouthwash after brushing. Your teeth and your dentist will thank you.
Ask Dr. Sherman of Breezy Bay Dental in Palm Harbor, Florida. He and his friendly staff know all there is to know about taking good care of those teeth of yours! Call for an appointment today.