Signs of Over-brushing in Kids
How to Protect Your Child’s Teeth and Gums
You’ve fought what seemed like an endless battle to get your toddler to brush his or her teeth and then they take it to the next level because that toothbrush seems like a permanent fixture in their mouth. There’s no telling where they’ve put that toothbrush before it goes in there, but toddlers seem to put everything in their mouth as a way of exploration to learn about the environment that surrounds them.
Fast forward to the teen years when your child is wearing braces. Braces present their own complications such as allowing food to be easily caught between teeth. The teen years are also a phase when kids start to worry about their physical appearance and with this can come the risk of overbrushing, rinsing and flossing.
So when should you be concerned about over brushing?
Dental abrasion – this refers to the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from a foreign object, according to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. In this case, the over enthusiastic use of the toothbrush wears away at the tooth enamel and, eventually, the softer dentin and cementum structures. You can identify abrasion as worn, shiny, and often yellow or brown spots on the tooth near the gumline. Notching — a wedge or V-shaped indention of the tooth along the gumline — is also a sign of abrasion.
Tooth sensitivity – if too much enamel is scraped away from overbrushing, your child can develop tooth sensitivity and nerve damage. This causes pain when children are exposed to hot, cold, sweet and sour foods and drinks.
Gum recession – continued improper and excessive brushing can lead to the softer cementum of the tooth root to be open to deterioration. This exposure may cause pain and discomfort and greater vulnerability to decay.
Are there treatments for tooth damage caused by over-brushing?
Since over-brushing can make your child’s teeth and gums vulnerable to overexposure and decay, we may need to utilize certain sealants to strengthen and bond the tooth surface. This approach provides long-term protection to those teeth and strengthens them against future harm. These treatments may include a fluoride varnish, veneer or composite bonding. For gum recession, it’s difficult to provide a child with a full restoration. In some extreme cases, children may receive gum grafting surgery if the missing gum tissue must be replaced to preserve the cementum.
Over-brushing can be stopped in its tracks with the proper brushing techniques.
Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics Associates of Alabama is led by top-rated pediatric dentists with locations in Birmingham, Cullman, Calera, Hoover, Oxford, Pell City and Trussville. When looking for your child’s dentist, know that we aspire to be the premier provider of pediatric dental and orthodontic services in Alabama. We also provide orthodontics in our Hoover, Calera, Cullman, Oxford, Pell City and Trussville locations. Be the reason someone smiles today!