While brushing your teeth is important to maintain oral hygiene, doing it too much or using the wrong technique can actually damage your teeth, leading to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and even permanent Problems like damage may occur.

Experts warn that excessive or improper brushing, as well as consumption of highly acidic foods and beverages, can lead to serious dental problems.

“Erosion, in dental terms, is the loss of tooth enamel or dentin due to acid attacks from acidic foods, beverages or acid reflux,” explains Dr. P. Parthasarathy Reddy, Founder and Managing Director, FMS Dental Clinic, Hyderabad.

“When enamel is destroyed, it weakens the tooth structure, making teeth smaller, more sensitive and prone to pain,” the expert says.

Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, sodas and some fruit juices, lower the pH level of the mouth, especially when it falls below the enamel’s critical pH of 5.5. This causes calcium ions to leach out of the enamel, causing permanent damage to the teeth.

Consuming and chewing acidic foods together can accelerate this erosion, ultimately leading to tooth sensitivity and pain.

To reduce the effects of acidity, Dr. Reddy recommends avoiding brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods. “Brushing should be done at least two hours after eating acidic foods or drinks,” he says. “Foods with a pH closer to 7 are better for both your teeth and overall health.”

For people with mild enamel erosion, the dentist can often repair the damage with composite fillings.

But as caries progresses, treatments become more complex. “Moderate to severe cases may require root canal treatment, inlays, crowns or veneers,” says Dr. Reddy.

Risks of Excessive Brushing

Not only can acidic foods damage your enamel, but brushing too often or using improper technique can also cause a problem called abrasion.

“Generally, brushing in a horizontal motion with a hard toothbrush causes friction, which wears away the enamel, especially near the neck of the tooth on the cheek side,” says Dr. Reddy. This type of damage often appears as a saucer-shaped defect and can result in increased tooth sensitivity.

To prevent abrasion, Dr. Reddy recommends using a medium or soft toothbrush with a minimum-abrasive toothpaste and avoiding horizontal brushing motions.

Instead, he recommends using the “Bass technique” or “modified Bass technique”, which are more gentle on the teeth and gums.

According to the Bass technique, one should hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and place the bristles slightly above the gum line and brush gently for 15 to 20 minutes in circular motions. Gently flick the bristles towards the biting surface to remove plaque and then continue to the next tooth.

protecting your teeth

Preventing tooth decay and abrasion starts with lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Reddy advises patients to stay away from acidic foods and beverages as much as possible and to consult a gastroenterologist if acid reflux is a recurring problem.

He highlights the importance of using proper brushing techniques to reduce abrasion in individuals wearing partial dentures and choosing flexible dentures without metal clasps.

“Ultimately, protecting your teeth requires careful eating, proper brushing habits, and regular dental checkups to address any emerging problems early,” says Dr. Reddy.