Could You Be Over Brushing Your Teeth?

We all know that brushing is a key to good dental hygiene. So the more your brush, the healthier your teeth, right? Not exactly. It turns out that excessive brushing can actually harm your teeth, and damage your gums too. 

So how do you avoid brushing too much? Read on to learn the warning signs of over brushing, learn how over brushing can affect your dental hygiene, and how to avoid these concerns all together.

Am I brushing my teeth too much? 

Brushing your teeth too often or too hard can have negative impacts on your oral hygiene. Some signs that you may be over brushing include:


  • Frayed toothbrush bristles
  • Increasingly sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums after brushing


If you use a medium or hard bristled brush, or you are an aggressive brusher, you may also be at higher risk for damaging your teeth by brushing too often. 

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What happens if I brush my teeth too much?

If you have noticed any of these signs of over brushing you will want to mention your concerns to your dentist. Overbrushing can lead to a variety of complications:


  • Cuts and abrasions resulting from over brushing can lead to infection.
  • Strong brushing can gradually wear away enamel leading to issues with sensitive teeth.
  • Gum recession can provide pockets for disease-causing bacteria to build up around your teeth.


How do I brush my teeth correctly?

There are a number of things you can do to avoid over brushing, and make sure your mouth is getting proper care. 


  • Use a soft bristled brush
  • Brush in a circular motion
  • Only brush for 2 minutes - 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth
  • Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles lightly against your teeth/gums


If you are struggling with overbrushing, you are not alone. It is a common issue among our patients. The good news is that it can be solved with the proper care, Especially when paired with regular visits to a dental professional.


It is important that you find a dental office that you can rely on. If you live in the Fargo North Dakota area, our team at south university dental associates are happy to help educate you and your family about brushing.