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The Surprising Dangers of Over Brushing

White teeth smile

Brushing your teeth is a critical step to optimal dental health. You should brush twice a day, for two minutes each session. However, while it may seem like an odd topic, there is such a thing as over brushing, or brushing too much. If you brush too long, too hard or too often, you are subject to toothbrush abrasion.

Toothbrush Abrasion

Toothbrush abrasion occurs when the enamel of your teeth become worn down, thin or damaged due to your excessive brushing habits. According to estimates from The Wall Street Journal, as many as 20 percent of all Americans have experienced toothbrush abrasion from over brushing.

When toothbrush abrasion occurs, the teeth often become sensitive to hot and cold and the gums may begin to recede. Gum recession is associated with gum disease and a greater risk for decay as the tooth roots are exposed to more plaque and bacteria. Another unwanted consequence of enamel damage is discoloration – the inner dentin layer may become more visible. Unfortunately, this layer has a yellow and darker hue than your enamel.

Dial Back Your Aggressive Brushing Habits

What is driving you to brush so often? Whether it is a fear of bad breath, obsession with white teeth or a compulsion to keep your mouth feeling clean, there are other ways to satisfy your needs without causing more harm than good. Consider using mouthwash, avoiding sticky and sugary foods and increasing your water intake. You can also chew sugarless gum to give your mouth a clean, fresh feeling after eating. If it’s white teeth you’re after, consider professional teeth whitening for a longer-lasting result.

Rules to Remember

While a twice a day cleaning is all that is typically needed, the timing of your brushing session is important too. Avoid going straight for your toothbrush after eating or drinking something acidic – as this will aggravate the abrasive impact on your teeth. Instead, wait about an hour until you brush.

Your technique and tools are also critical. Try to avoid a hard, back and forth scrubbing action. Plaque is typically a soft and rather easy substance to remove, there is no need for aggressive force. In addition, make sure you are using a soft-bristled brush, especially if you have a habit of being an over-achiever when it comes to tooth brushing. This will protect your teeth and gums while still getting the job done.

Are you ready to fix your over brushing habits for the sake of your smile health? We’d love to help you. At the office of Dr. Mitzi Morris, we can even restore your dental damage or gum recession that was caused by previous over brushing. Call our office today to learn more!

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

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