Can Tooth Brushing Go Bad?

Most of my dental patients are relatively healthy and want to stay that way. Did you know that when it comes to brushing your teeth that sometimes too much of "good" thing can be damaging?

 

A big red flag that a patient needs coaching in brushing is sensitivity. Typically this patient schedules an emergency visit or has waited until their regular hygiene appointment to discuss this excruciating sensitivity to hot, cold, and sometimes sweets. Rarely does the pain persist after the stimulant (hot, cold or sweet) is gone. And, often, the sensitivity is worst when brushing their teeth or drinking.

Of course, when we think of sensitivity we think of cavities (decay). But not all sensitive teeth have cavities.

We search for the source of sensitivity in a thorough evaluation. In the absence of decay, 99 times out of 100 the sensitivity is isolated to the area where the crown meets the root. Often there is recession (gum loss) exposing this area to the oral environment. Root surfaces are very soft when compared their tooth crown counterparts. By scrubbing this soft tooth structure with a tooth brush combined with the abrasives found in tooth paste it is possible to actually sweep away some of the crystalline surface of the root leaving a highly porous surface that has a direct line to the nerve. Every time hot, cold or sweets comes into contact with this area it sends a zinger to the nerve and OUCH – tooth pain.

Here are a few things you can do to prevent or reduce this type of sensitivity:

1. Choose a "soft" or "very soft" bristle tooth brush.
   
2. AVOID long HORIZONTAL brushing strokes. Focus on creating vertical or circular brush strokes.
   
3. Quit using tooth paste in that area. Brush with a wet tooth brush in that area (dipped in Listerine is a good start), then apply the tooth paste and brush in the rest of your mouth.
   

On our side, we will look at the following – if the sensitivity persists:

1. We may need to check your BITE.
   
2. We always evaluate your gums for recession. Sometimes treatment will help if the gum tissue is thin or frail.
   
3. If all else fails, we can apply a desensitizer to the area that will temporarily bring relief. But, without addressing the way you brush or any problems with your bite – this will only be a temporary fix.