Toothpaste Abuse

Ongoing studies have shown that one of the main causes of tooth enamel erosion is people using too much toothpaste. People tend to abuse toothpaste when they are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth. Thinking that the more they brush and the more toothpaste used will whiten their teeth, they end over brushing and abusing toothpaste.

The fact is the more you over brush your teeth with toothpaste, the enamel begins to break down which leaves the dentine closer to the surface of the tooth and actually makes it appear darker overall. The decrease in enamel on the tooth then leaves your teeth more susceptible and sensitive which can lead to an increase in cavities and other complications that will require treatment.

Manufacturers of toothpaste recommend using only a pea-size amount of toothpaste, yet many people will use a thick line covering the entire brush and brush very vigorously. This combination of abusing toothpaste and brushing too hard leads to an effect similar to sandpapering your teeth.

Other main causes of tooth enamel erosion are swishing soda before swallowing, mulling acidic fruits, bruxism, and bulimia.

It is not however, recommended that throw out their toothpaste and quit brushing their teeth by any means. To maintain overall dental health apart from your regular dentist checkups, one should simply be conscious of how hard they are brushing and be sure to not go overboard on the toothpaste, and of course don't forget to floss!