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Meta: It may not seem like it, but it’s possible to be too diligent when it comes to caring for your oral health.

We all know that neglecting our oral health can be damaging to our teeth, gums, and yes, even our overall health. That’s because by ignoring dental problems or not maintaining hygiene, minor problems like gingivitis and small dental caries can grow into periodontal disease, root canals, and worse. It’s not uncommon for untreated cavities to turn into tooth loss, and periodontal disease to worsen conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

But did you know there is such a thing as too-vigorous dental care? It’s true! You can actually harm your teeth by certain behaviors that could be considered too much when it comes to oral hygiene.

Brushing too Hard

Brushing your teeth too hard may not seem like a big deal. After all, the harder you brush the more plaque you remove, right? Not necessarily. While brushing with a strong hand can remove plaque and debris from your teeth, it can also damage your tooth enamel in the process.  Worse yet, if you go that extra mile and brush your gums, you can even cause gum recession, which can expose the roots of your teeth and cause sensitivity.

Brushing With a Worn Brush

The harder you brush, the sooner your brush will need to be replaced, which means you could very well be brushing with a worn brush. Worn bristles are less effective at removing plaque than newer bristles, which is why we recommend you replace your toothbrush or brush head every 3 or 4 months, whether you think it needs replacement or not.

Brushing With Natural Toothpaste

While there are some excellent brands of natural toothpaste out there, it’s important to pay attention to whether they are ADA certified or not. Many of these brands do not contain fluoride, which is instrumental in protecting your tooth enamel against invasive cavities. If you are unsure about your toothpaste brand, check with Dr. Abelar.

Using the Wrong Brush

Believe it or not, you can use the wrong brush. For example, kids shouldn’t use an adult-sized brush (they’re too big) and most people don’t need a “hard” bristled brush. Soft or medium usually works for most mouths. If you have any questions about which bristle strength you should be using, ask Dr. Abelar for his recommendation.

Not Visiting The Dentist 

While you may have gleaming white teeth and an excellent oral health routine, some people make the mistake in thinking this is “good enough” to forgo their regular two dental exams each year. Even if your teeth are the picture of perfect health to the naked eye, it’s still imperative that you visit Dr. Abelar twice a year to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.

If you have any questions about your oral health or about anything mentioned above, contact Dr. Abelar today.