A healthy smile and general dental health depend on maintaining good oral hygiene. The cornerstone of a good dental care regimen is brushing your teeth twice a day, which helps to eliminate plaque, prevent cavities, and maintain healthy gums. But like many other things in life, even a healthy habit can become a problem if practiced to the extreme.
Aggressive brushing, often known as overbrushing, is a problem for oral health that can result in a number of dental issues. The family dentist in North Central Phoenix offers advice on preventing its onset, warning signals to look out for, and its effects on your teeth and gums. You can maintain a balanced approach to dental care by being aware of the dangers of overbrushing and using the appropriate brushing techniques.
Excessive or aggressive brushing can lead to the following issues:
- Gum Recession:
Overbrushing can result in gum recession, which exposes the tooth roots. Aggressive brushing can cause gum tissue to be worn away, which can result in gum recession. The sensitive areas of the teeth are exposed as a result, which increases their sensitivity, pain, and cavity risk. When gum recession occurs, the root surface becomes exposed, leaving the tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and other oral health problems.
- Tooth Sensitivity:
Strenuous tooth cleaning can erode the enamel’s protective coating. The underlying dentin layer, which contains microscopic tubules that link to the nerves, gets exposed, which may increase tooth sensitivity. Foods and drinks that are hot, cold, sweet, or acidic might cause tooth discomfort or pain.
- Gum Damage:
Excessive brushing might cause damage to the sensitive gum tissues. Inflammation, pain, and inflammation may result from constant stress and friction. Continuous damage to the gums can contribute to gum disease, as it weakens the gum’s ability to protect the teeth and may lead to gum recession.
- Increased Cavity Risk:
The normal balance of oral microorganisms can be upset by excessive brushing, which also removes the saliva’s barrier function. Saliva is incredibly important for balancing acidity and preventing tooth decay. Cavities are more likely to develop when the enamel is worn down as a result of excessive brushing.
- Uneasy jaw
Jaw muscles and joints might become strained if excessive force is used during brushing or if aggressive brushing methods are used. This may result in TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues, headaches, facial pain, and jaw discomfort. These problems may eventually have an impact on the jaw’s general comfort and functionality.