Brushing teeth too often?

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#1 Post by **nycgrrl** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 7:22 am

So I brush my teeth everytime I eat some -- and I'm a graze eater so I probably eat 5 meals a day -- I was looking online and it said that brushing your teeth too often can wear down tooth enamel, so now i'm a little worried.

What do you guys do? I use an extra-soft toothbrush but is there a special toothpaste I should be using? Thoughts?

#2 Post by **myhollywoodsmile** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:28 pm

I wondered about this too as I think I eat at least 8 times a day! I'm not sure as to the answer unfortunately. I simply brush, although I try not to brush for half an hour after diet coke as that apparently is the worst.

#3 Post by **nycgrrl** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 2:40 pm

so i've been doing some research and using an enamel sensitive toothpaste might be the way to go! by the way, i really enjoy your blog

#4 Post by **TinySmiley** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 1:27 pm

I'm concerned about receeding gums. I already have a problem with it and now brushing so frequently I'm afraid I'll make them worse. I guess all I can do is be gentle as I can when I brush.

#5 Post by **bbsadmin** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 2:57 pm

You can brush frequently....just brush for a bit less time and be careful around the gums. Of course, floss once per day!

#6 Post by **Wireless** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 8:10 am

If you're concerned about the effect of more brushing on receeding gums, discuss with your ortho or dentist to see if there are problems and how to best take care.

In my case, I have receeding gums around a couple of molars, and also had problems behind my front uppers where my gums receeded enough to expose a tooth root due to my deep bite. I've been in treatment with Invisalign over a year and have had no problems. In the case of the gums behind my uppers, they actually healed without the need for surgery after I started treatment - a big relief!!

Also, my last dental checkup was probably the best ever. I had very little bleeding from the cleaning and my oral health has really improved. My regular dentist was very impressed. I believe this improvement is due to the extra hygiene required with Invisalign. You may find your extra brushing and cleaning may improve your gums rather than damage them!!

#7 Post by **Cheeeese** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:33 pm

Floss once per day???? I thought you were suppose to floss after every meal before brushing.

#8 Post by **KUMonkeyMomma** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 6:21 pm

I believe you are told to floss after every meal - but I'm not sure everyone does it. I typically don't.

I eat breakfast and sometimes lunch at work and it's hard enough to brush there, let alone floss. If I eat lunch at home I'll floss most of the time, especially if I have anything that tends to stick between teeth more than other things, but not always. I always floss after dinner when I'm done eating for the day though - so some days that is all I floss if I eat bfast and lunch at work.

#9 Post by **TXMommy** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:35 pm

Wireless wrote:Also, my last dental checkup was probably the best ever. I had very little bleeding from the cleaning and my oral health has really improved. My regular dentist was very impressed. I believe this improvement is due to the extra hygiene required with Invisalign. You may find your extra brushing and cleaning may improve your gums rather than damage them!!

Agreed!

#10 Post by **TXMommy** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:36 pm

TXMommy wrote:
Wireless wrote:Also, my last dental checkup was probably the best ever. I had very little bleeding from the cleaning and my oral health has really improved. My regular dentist was very impressed. I believe this improvement is due to the extra hygiene required with Invisalign. You may find your extra brushing and cleaning may improve your gums rather than damage them!!
Agreed!

That goes for those who wear Essix retainers as well. I'm only a week in, but I've noticed a big improvement in my gums.