As a kid, I would hate brushing my teeth which led to yellowing of my teeth. I didn’t care much while I was young but as a teen, I hated my yellow teeth. I would brush my teeth twice a day, brush them harder and for nearly five minutes hoping that the yellowness would go away. But in the process, I might have damaged the enamel ending up at a dentist’s clinic. The doctor advised me to not brush for more than two minutes.
Even studies claim that brushing for more than two minutes can cause dental problems. To understand more on why you should not brush for more than 2 minutes, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Anjana Satyajit, Head of Dentistry, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.
Brushing your teeth properly twice a day is good for oral health but many people do not know the exact amount of time for which they should brush their teeth. While some end up brushing for less than a minute which can leave their teeth dirty and some brush for longer than the need to be brushed which can again cause dental problems.
Dr Satyajit said, “Most people believe that the more you brush, the better your teeth will be. However, this notion is not a healthy one and has various detrimental effects.”
Also read: Oral Hygiene: THIS Is How Often You Should Change Your Toothbrush
Why You Should Not Brush for More Than Two Minutes?
With the help of Dr Satyajit, we listed down the points on why one should not brush for more than two minutes.
1. Gum Recession
Excessive brushing can result in the recession of gum, where the gum tissue wears away, exposing more of the tooth's root. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of cavities.
2. Enamel Erosion
Brushing too vigorously or for too long can wear down the protective enamel layer of your teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
3. Damage to Soft Tissues
Brushing too much can irritate the delicate tissues in your mouth causing inflammation, soreness and even mouth ulcers according to Dr Satyajit.
4. Increased Sensitivity
Harsh brushing can wear away the enamel and expose the underlying dentin, which can cause increased sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
How Many Times Should You Brush in a Day?
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before going to bed. Dr Satyajit said, “Brushing after meals helps in removing food particles and bacteria, but brushing must not be done too soon after consuming acidic foods or beverages, as this can further weaken the tooth enamel.”
While brushing your teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral health, it's important to maintain a balance and refrain from overdoing it. Concluding, Dr Satyajit said, “Limiting brushing time to two minutes and following proper brushing techniques can help in preventing problems like gum recession, enamel erosion, and other oral health issues. Taking good care of your teeth enables you to enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.”