Dentist warns your ‘extra clean’ brushing could be harming your teeth and gums: 7 surprising ways it causes damage

Aggressive brushing can do more harm than good. Dentist Dr. Kabir Bhogal reveals 7 surprising ways it affects your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

Brushing your teeth too hard might be the best way to get them clean, but it can do more harm than good. From cavities, tooth sensitivity, gum recession and even long-term enamel damage, aggressive brushing puts your oral health at risk. Dr Kabir Bhogal, Founder and Principal Dentist at Revive Clinic, shares with HT Lifestyle 7 surprising consequences of brushing your teeth too hard and how to undo the damage.

Brushing too hard can lead to tooth sensitivity as enamel wears down and exposes dentin.(Pixabay)

1. Enamel erosion

Brushing your teeth too hard can feel like you're getting them extra clean. However, you can wear down your tooth's outer layer (enamel) over time. While naturally strong, scrubbing with firm pressure and stiff bristles gradually weakens and thins this protective surface. Since the enamel doesn't regenerate, it can leave your teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage.

To fix the sensitivity and weakened structure that come with enamel erosion, you may need to undergo a restoration procedure like dental crowns, which act as a hard cap to shield your teeth from further harm, as well as reconstruct their strength, shape, and size.

2. Gum recession

Excessive force when brushing can push your gums away from your teeth. Known as gum recession, this condition exposes the sensitive roots of your teeth, which lack protective enamel covering, making them more prone to decay. Receding gums also increase the risk of gum disease, as exposed root surfaces and gaps along the gumline create spaces where bacteria can build up.

As a recession doesn't always happen evenly, this can make your smile appear asymmetrical. This is why, for moderate to severe cases, we often recommend gum grafting to replace the cover of the exposed roots. Once the gums have healed, cosmetic treatments such as dental veneers can be used to make teeth look uniform again.

Brushing forcefully can lead to gum recession, exposing sensitive tooth roots and increasing decay risk.(Shutterstock)

3. Tooth sensitivity

One of the earliest signs that you're brushing too hard is tooth sensitivity. When enamel weakens and gumline recedes, it can uncover the underlying layer beneath enamel called dentin that contains the teeth's nerve endings. This can trigger sharp pain when consuming food or drink at extreme temperatures, significantly affecting everyday comfort and quality of life.

For mild cases, he recommends using desensitising toothpastes with potassium nitrate to calm the nerves within the tooth, or stannous fluoride to prevent overstimulation. If the problem persists, sealants can be applied in-clinic to shield vulnerable areas and alleviate sensitivity.

4. Yellowing teeth

Many people tend to brush vigorously to achieve whiter teeth, but the opposite effect can happen instead. Normally, enamel gives teeth their bright, white appearance and partially masks the dentin, which is naturally pale yellow in colour. Once enamel wears away, the yellow shows through more prominently, making teeth look discoloured, even if the outer surface is clean.

While typical teeth whitening treatments may remove surface stains and tartar, they won't change the shade of exposed dentin. If enamel is more heavily eroded, composite bonding can help brighten your smile by applying a tooth-coloured resin (composite) directly onto the surface of your teeth.

5. Weakened fillings or crowns

Constant forceful scrubbing doesn't just harm natural tooth structure. In reality, it can also shorten the lifespan of dental work, leading to more repairs or replacements. For example, bonding materials, such as fillings and crowns, may loosen or chip.

In some cases, even cosmetic restorations like veneers may detach prematurely, resulting in uneven teeth and extra expense. To avoid further damage, practice a gentler brushing technique or use moderate pressure with a soft-bristled toothbrush. As well as this, regular dental check-ups every 6 months allow us to monitor existing dental work for signs of wear, damage, or loosening.

6. Higher cavity risk

Cavity or tooth decay can develop if you brush too hard. In fact, this habit can create micro-cracks in teeth, letting bacteria infiltrate much more easily between the gaps and lead to decay. Combined with a receding gumline, teeth tend to lose their natural protective barriers quickly, making it easier for plaque to settle easily into these vulnerable areas.

Brushing alone isn't enough, as bristles mainly reach the fronts, backs, and tops of teeth. To prevent tooth decay, flossing daily ensures bacteria are removed from between teeth, where cavities often start. To those with higher cavity risk, he advises scheduling a dental hygiene appointment at least every 3-4 months to remove plaque that brushing and flossing may miss.

7. Plaque buildup

Ironically, brushing too hard can leave your mouth less clean. When gums become irritated and inflamed, you can't properly clean along the gumline where bacteria love to hide. When you're forced to avoid these tender areas, plaque (a sticky film of bacteria and food particles) begins to coat the teeth. This sets the stage for tartar and decay to accumulate, which can lead to bad breath and gum disease. An antimicrobial mouthwash can limit bacteria buildup, but regular dental check-ups and cleanings can remove plaque and tartar that can't be cleaned at home.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.