Many believe that a vigorous toothbrushing routine leads to cleaner teeth. However, an oral surgeon has warned that brushing too hard is a common mistake that can cause more damage than benefit over time.
Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, explained that what seems like good oral hygiene can wear down tooth enamel, cause gums to recede, and increase tooth sensitivity-often without people realising until the harm is done.
“People often think that brushing harder cleans teeth better, but plaque is soft and doesn’t require force to remove,” Dr Bozic said. “In fact, excessive pressure can gradually wear away the protective enamel and cause gum recession.”
READ MORE: Future of Cheltenham Wetherspoon Pub in Question as Building is Listed for Sale
Unlike bone, enamel cannot regenerate once it has been lost. Continuous heavy brushing exposes the softer dentine beneath, leading to heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet stimuli.
“Good oral hygiene is about consistency and technique, not force. Using gentle circular movements with a soft brush removes plaque perfectly well while protecting your enamel and gums for the future,” said Dr Bozic.
Dr Bozic added that they frequently see patients suffering from sensitivity, gum recession, and enamel wear attributed to their brushing habits. This damage develops gradually over months or years and is rarely noticed immediately.
He recommends holding the toothbrush with a light grip rather than clenching it tightly, allowing the bristles to do the cleaning. If the bristles become splayed after only a few weeks, it’s a strong indication that too much pressure is being applied.
Five signs you might be brushing too hard:
While the article does not list specific signs, Dr Bozic suggests being alert to symptoms such as increased tooth sensitivity, gum recession, enamel wear, splayed toothbrush bristles, and bleeding gums.
For optimal care, he advises using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush equipped with a pressure sensor, which signals when too much force is used. He recommends brushing all tooth surfaces gently for about two minutes, twice daily, thinking of the action more as polishing than scrubbing.