Can Overbrushing Cause Sensitive Teeth?

Overbrushing is not a good way to clean your teeth and can actually lead to sensitive teeth. This is because excessive brushing can cause damage to the gums and teeth. If you want to know if overbrushing can result in sensitive teeth, here are the details.

The harmful effects of overbrushing

A person can overdo brushing. This results in toothbrush abrasion. The damage from overbrushing can lead to gum recession and sensitive teeth. Brushing hard can wear down the enamel. This leads to weaker dentin protection.

Dentin contains the blood vessels and nerves supplying the teeth. The thin enamel makes the dentin prone to exposure. That is why the patient develops sensitive teeth. The pain gets worse when drinking and eating something hot or cold.

Gum tissue also harms the gum tissue covering the tooth roots. The hard brushing pushes the gum tissue away from the tooth roots. This removes the protective cover of tooth roots against the elements. This also leads to sensitive teeth. It also makes the unprotected roots prone to decay and periodontitis.

Using medium- to hard-bristled toothbrushes contributes to toothbrush abrasion. It also worsens sensitive teeth. Gum recession and swollen gums are evidence of overbrushing. The same goes for frayed toothbrush bristles and bleeding gums.

Treatments for overbrushed teeth

Receding gums and weakened enamel from overbrushing can lead to severe cavities. These could also lead to tooth loss. The dentist can perform treatments to cover the exposed dentin layer and protect the affected teeth. Fluoride varnish placement on the weakened tooth will start the treatment. Then, the dentist will bond a tooth-colored dental filling over the thin enamel. A veneer will be then placed on the tooth.

Preventing overbrushing

Receded gums will not self-heal or self-correct. The dentist can provide protection for the tooth again. Gum grafting can replace the lost gum tissue over the roots. This will prevent the sensitive teeth from suffering from more damage. Changing the health of teeth involved the following:

Inspecting the toothpaste and bristles

Toothpaste can have abrasive ingredients, especially the whitening kind. These brands can abrade the enamel and weaken the tooth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can also improve teeth cleaning. These small changes can prevent tooth abrasion, gum recession, and sensitive teeth.

Refraining from brushing right after eating

It is healthier to wait for about an hour before brushing. Doing this, especially after eating acidic foods, can prevent abrading the enamel too much. Chewing sugarless gum or drinking water can stimulate saliva production and freshen one's breath. Doing this can prevent bacteria from damaging the mouth while waiting for the hour to pass.

Checking lifestyle habits

The enamel can weaken or break if the individual uses teeth to open bottles and hold things. This also happens if the person bites fingernails. Tongue and lip piercings can also abrade the enamel. Making some changes can improve sensitive teeth and receding gums.

Sensitive teeth can result from overbrushing

Regular brushing can improve your oral and general health. Brushing too much can do the opposite. It can weaken your teeth, recede your gums, and trigger sensitive teeth. Seeing your dentist for proper treatment can strengthen your teeth again. Call our office to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.shorthillssmiles.com or call Short Hills Smiles at (973) 761-3303 for an appointment in our Millburn office.

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