Here at River Run Dental, we encourage our patients to take their time brushing their teeth. Rather than rushing through the process, they should be thorough and makes sure they give their teeth the TLC they deserve.
We recommend that most patients brush their teeth for about 3 minutes at a time. This is usually enough time to remove all of the remove plaque and keep the teeth and gums healthy. Recently, we’ve had some patients ask us if it’s possible to brush teeth for too long.
The answer to this question is “yes.” Overbrushing can wear down your teeth’s enamel and damage and/or push back your gums. This can expose the sensitive root area and lead to dental issues such as cavities and periodontal disease.
It is important to understand that brushing for more than 10 minutes isn’t necessary to remove plaque. Plaque is very soft so 3 minutes of brushing is almost always enough to do the trick. There’s no reason to brush vigorously for a longer period of time.
When brushing your teeth, use a soft bristled toothbrush and place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gumline while you are brushing. Use short strokes to move the toothbrush and apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums. You don’t need to squash the bristles as doing so means you’re brushing too hard.
Contact River Run Dental
For more information on overbrushing and how to prevent, we encourage you to call our office at (804) 262-1060.
