Brush Away the Plaque, Not the Enamel

Brush Away the Plaque, Not the Enamel

Consistent brushing is an essential part of dental health, along with flossing and regular dental visits. But wait—did you know that there is a danger in brushing too hard? Overbrushing, also known as toothbrush abrasion, can damage tooth enamel and cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots. Not only can this lead to increased sensitivity to heat and cold and the potential for developing cavities on the roots but it may raise your child’s risk for periodontal disease.

Toothbrush abrasion can happen to anyone who brushes too hard, but some people are at higher risk, including those who

• use medium- or hard-bristled brushes
• grind or clench their teeth
• have other risk factors for gum disease

Abrasion can also result from habits such as biting nails or chewing on pencils, or even from just using an overly abrasive toothpaste.

Once your child has toothbrush abrasion, there are several options for treatment. We at KiDDS Dental can sometimes use fluoride treatments to reduce sensitivity. If parts of the teeth are already worn away, dental bonding or fillings might be necessary.

Better Than Treatment: Prevention

Because most people don’t know they are brushing too hard until they see the first visible signs of abrasion—a V-shaped indentation on the part of the tooth near the gumline—it’s better to prevent it altogether. Help your child understand that brushing better doesn’t mean brushing harder. Plaque actually comes off fairly easily, so there’s no need to scrub or scrape the teeth to prevent cavities. Have your child use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and gently brush each tooth with short strokes while avoiding the tendency to squash or push the bristles against the teeth and gums.

If you feel as if you’re sending mixed messages—“Brush your teeth! But don’t brush too hard!”―enlisting our help might help get the message across. Dr. Jared and his clinical team can go over brushing techniques with your child at your next appointment.

If you have questions about your child's oral health, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.