I brush my teeth about 5 times a day. Is this too much and can I be damaging my teeth?

Answer 1

June 20, 2003 -- Less may be more when it comes to brushing your teeth. A new study shows that applying more than a light amount of pressure to your teeth or brushing longer than two minutes doesn't make them any cleaner and may increase the risk of oral health problems.


Experts say many people believe that the longer and harder you brush your teeth, the better it is for your teeth. But the study shows there's a limit to the amount of pressure your teeth can take, and beyond that extra force or time doesn't do any further good.


Researcher Peter Heaseman, professor of periodontology at the Newcastle University's School of Dental Sciences, says the goal of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque, the sticky substance that can harden on teeth and gums when bits of food are left in the mouth. Plaque buildup can cause problems beyond just cavities, such as gum disease. But brushing too hard or for too long can damage the protective enamel on your teeth or irritate your gums and cause other oral health problems.


A Light Touch for Two Minutes

Researchers studied the brushing techniques and times of 12 volunteers who used electric toothbrushes during a four-week study. The participants were taught how to use the oscillating toothbrush, which was hooked up to a computer that took time and pressure measurements. Researchers compared 16 combinations of various brushing times and pressures. Plaque levels on the teeth were also recorded before and after brushing.


They found that plaque removal improved with longer brushing time up to two minutes and with greater pressure up to 150 grams of pressure, which is about the weight of an orange.


"Although we found that you have to brush your teeth reasonably long and hard to get rid of the harmful plaque which causes dental diseases, our research shows that once you go beyond a certain point, you aren't being any more effective," says Heaseman, in a news release. "You could be actually harming your teeth and gums."


Heaseman says the same results would also be expected if the volunteers had used ordinary toothbrushes rather than the electronic versions.


Researchers say the force necessary to brush your teeth is actually quite light because the pressure is being applied to a very small area.

Answer 2

that's bad, you should brush 2 times a day. My sister used to brush 4 times a for 5 minutes each and her teeth because so bad that her teeth started to fall out because se was damaging her teeth. I only used to brush 1 time and day and now I brush 2 times a day with Colgate and my teeth are so white. don't brush more than 2 or even 3 times a day

Answer 3

Oral Health
Brushing and Toothpaste
The importance of brushing:
The single best way to remove harmful plaque -- a thin, sticky film of bacteria -- from teeth and gums is to brush teeth regularly and properly.

What is the proper technique for teeth brushing?
Because every mouth is different, there is more than one technique of brushing that has proven to be effective. Deciding which technique is most appropriate for you depends largely on your teeth position and gum condition.
Generally, most dentists recommend a circular technique for brushing. This includes brushing only a small group of teeth at a time -- gradually covering the entire mouth. The importance of maintaining a circular or elliptical motion is emphasized as using a back and forth motion may cause the following:

a receded gum surface
an exposed and tender root surface
a wearing down of the gum line

Instead, dentists recommend the following method:

Step 1: Place the toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle.

Step 2: Gently brush teeth only a small group of teeth at a time (in a circular or elliptical motion) until the entire mouth is covered.

Step 3: Brush the outside of the teeth, inside of the teeth, the chewing surfaces, and in between each tooth.

Step 4: Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least twice daily, especially after meals and snacks.

What type of toothbrush should be used?
A toothbrush head should be small -- about 1 inch by 1/2 inch -- and should have a handle suitable for firm grasping. The bristles of the brush should be soft, nylon, and rounded at the ends. This helps ensure that the brush bristles are reaching the spaces between the teeth as well as the surface. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down the enamel on teeth. Thus, in most cases, medium and hard bristles are not recommended.

How often is brushing necessary?

Generally, brushing is recommended twice a day for at least three to four minutes each time. Patients generally think they are brushing long enough, when, in fact, most people spend less than one minute brushing. In addition, it is generally better to brush 3 to 4 minutes twice a day instead of brushing quickly five or more times throughout the day.

Dentists advise brushing your teeth during the day while at work, school, or play. Keeping a toothbrush handy -- in your desk or backpack -- increases the chances that you will brush during the day.

Facts about toothpaste:
Brushing with toothpaste (particularly toothpaste with fluoride) helps to accomplish the following:

remove plaque
resist decay
promote remineralization
clean and polish teeth
remove teeth stains
freshen breath
Which type of toothpaste is best?
Fluoride is the most crucial ingredient in toothpaste. As long as the toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand, nor type (paste, gel, or powder) generally does not matter. All fluoride toothpastes work effectively to fight plaque and cavities, and clean and polish tooth enamel. The brand you choose should bear the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the container, which means that adequate evidence of safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials.

Some toothpastes offer tartar control pyrophosphates to prevent the build-up of soft calculus deposits on teeth, while others offer whitening formulas to safely remove stains making teeth brighter and shinier. But, contrary to clever advertising and popular belief, fluoride is the true active ingredient that works the hardest to protect your teeth.

Answer 4

Yes, you are probably wearing the enamel off of your teeth. My mother has been obsessively brushing her teeth about five times a day since she was about 8 and she is in her 50's now. The dentist told her that she was wearing the enamel off her teeth (and it's visible) and to stop brushing so much and spend more time flossing.

Answer 5

You can actually wear away the enamel on your teeth by doing this. Since the enamel protects the inner workings of your teeth (including the nerves) you are definitely damaging your teeth and opening yourself up to attacks by bacteria that will cause you decay and caries.

Cease and desist! Even dentists only recommend that you brush only after eating...

Answer 6

It's probably damaging your gums more than your teeth. 5 times is probably a bit excessive. Use a soft bristled brush.

Answer 7

Yeah, as others have said, you are overdoing it. However, I'd be more concerned about your having a possible psychosis. Excessive brushing of your teeth is one sympton of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - see the checklist on the following Web site:

http://dermatology.cdlib.org/DOJvol6num1/special/nail-injury/sekula.html

Answer 8

yah that is too much. You are weakening your enamel making it easier to get cavities.....and its probably hurting your gums. Do your gums bleed? Twice a day is more than enough, and brush softly. Floss gently and your teeth and gums will be healthy. Five times is too much.

Answer 9

yes that is too much you only need to brush them 3 times a day but i dont think you are damaging them only if you brush them really hard.

Answer 10

You should use an extra soft toothbrush if you don't you can cause gum damage by brushing this much every day.