Listen to Story While brushing your teeth is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene, doing it too much or using the wrong technique can actually harm your teeth, leading to issues like enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and even permanent damage. Expert warns that excessive or improper brushing , combined with a diet high in acidic foods and drinks, can lead to serious dental problems. "Erosion, in dental terms, is the loss of tooth enamel or dentin due to acid attacks from acidic foods, beverages, or acid reflux," explains Dr P Parthasarathi Reddy, Founder and Managing Director of FMS Dental Clinics, Hyderabad.
"When the enamel erodes, it weakens the tooth structure, causing the teeth to become smaller, more sensitive, and prone to pain," the expert says. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and certain fruit juices, lower the mouth's pH level, especially when it falls below the enamel's critical pH of 5.5.
This causes calcium ions to dissolve out of the enamel, leading to permanent tooth damage. Expert warns that excessive or improper brushing, combined with a diet high in acidic foods and drinks, can lead to serious dental problems. (Photo: Getty Images) The simultaneous consumption of acidic foods and chewing can accelerate this erosion, eventually leading to tooth sensitivity and pain.
To mitigate the effects of acidity, Dr Reddy advises avoiding brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods . "Brushing should be done at least two hours after eating ac.