Totally relate to that urge to over-clean—when I got my veneers, I was so paranoid about messing them up that I carried a travel toothbrush everywhere. My dentist actually said too much scrubbing could wear down the enamel around the edges. It’s wild how some people skate by with just the basics and never have issues, while others (me included) feel like we need a full routine or something’s missing. Has anyone else found their routine changed after dental work, or do you just stick to what you did before?
That’s interesting about the over-cleaning—
I always thought more brushing was safer, especially after getting a crown last year. Now I’m worried I might be doing more harm than good. Did anyone else get told to switch up their toothpaste or brush type after dental work? Or is it just about brushing less aggressively? It’s kind of confusing figuring out what’s actually best.“my dentist actually said too much scrubbing could wear down the enamel around the edges.”
“my dentist actually said too much scrubbing could wear down the enamel around the edges.”
That’s a common concern, but I’d argue it’s not just about how hard you brush. Technique and frequency matter too. After restorative work like crowns, some people are told to use a softer brush or switch to a toothpaste with lower abrasivity (look for the RDA value if you’re curious). But honestly, I’ve seen just as much damage from folks brushing *too* gently and missing plaque, which leads to gum issues.
It’s less about “brushing less” and more about using the right motion—small circles, not sawing back and forth. I never changed my toothpaste after getting a crown, but I did have to retrain myself to avoid over-focusing on that spot. The anxiety about keeping things clean is real, but sometimes it does more harm than good. If you’re worried, your hygienist can usually spot signs of abrasion early on...they’ll tell you if something needs to change.
I get the urge to scrub like you’re trying to erase a stain, especially after dental work. But yeah, I’ve actually made my gums angry by brushing too hard—ended up with some recession that my dentist wasn’t thrilled about. Now I use one of those super soft brushes and just take my time. Funny thing is, my teeth feel cleaner than when I was going at them like a maniac. Guess there really is such a thing as “too clean”... or at least, too aggressive.
I totally get this—after my last filling, I was convinced I needed to scrub like crazy to keep everything “extra” clean. Turns out, my gums hated it and got all sore. Switched to a soft brush too and, weirdly, my mouth actually feels fresher. Maybe gentle is the way to go after all...
