Do your teeth hurt after brushing? Dentists stress brushing and flossing — the two essential components of optimal oral hygiene. But, sometimes, people might experience tooth pain after brushing. It could be because you are not following the proper instructions for brushing or due to an underlying issue. So, learn why your teeth hurt after brushing in this article!

Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Brushing?

Brushing is supposed to be good for your teeth — by gently scrubbing your teeth; you remove plaque, bacteria, and food contaminants stuck on the surface of your enamel. Moreover, brushing teeth keeps bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues away. However, even with proper and regular brushing, your teeth may fall victim to dental issues. In some cases, toothache after brushing occurs, which could be because:

  1. You’re Using the Wrong Toothbrush: If you are using a hard-bristled toothbrush, it can result in tooth pain and discomfort after brushing. Moreover, your gums will also hurt if your brush consists of hard bristles. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning every surface of each tooth in a gentle manner.
  2. You Have Sensitive Teeth: Another reason behind toothache after brushing could be sensitivity. If you also suffer from tooth pain after having something hot, cold, acidic, or sweet — you may have tooth sensitivity. Many dental concerns can result in increased teeth sensitivity, which is why you should immediately consult a dental professional. They can diagnose and treat the issue properly.
  3. One or More Tooth Have Decay: When one or more of your teeth have been attacked by decay, you may experience discomfort after brushing or flossing. Therefore, if your toothbrush has soft bristles, chances are tooth decay might be the culprit. Visit a dentist for an examination to spot the problem.
  4. Things Got Serious — Gingivitis is Here: Infection or inflammation in the gums can be why your gums hurt after brushing. When plaque build-up, it can harden into dental calculus or tartar, which leads to inflammation. As a result, your periodontal tissue might look red and swollen. Moreover, your gums or teeth will start bleeding when you are brushing or out of the blue. Visit a periodontist to see if you have gum disease and proceed with adequate treatment. Hence, sometimes, the reason your teeth hurt after brushing could be more serious than you think.
  5. Brushing Teeth Using Improper Techniques: Brushing your teeth does not get the job done — brushing in the right way does. Therefore, if you are aggressively brushing your teeth, it may actually be doing more damage than good. Consequently, your teeth hurt or even bleed after brushing. Over time, this can cause teeth sensitivity, gum recession, enamel erosion, and more.

What to Do for Tooth Pain After Brushing

Usually, the reason behind tooth pain after brushing is sensitivity in teeth. Whatever the cause, there are multiple treatments; your dentist might recommend one or more of the following according to your case:

What Should I Do?

Experiencing tooth pain after brushing definitely requires dental attention. It could be because of improper brushing technique, but gum disease is also among the reasons teeth might hurt after brushing. But with Smile 4 Ever Family Dentistry, you can rest assured that your dental needs will be met. Talk to us now at (281) 213-5668, or give us a visit at 14715 TC Jester Blvd, Houston, Texas 77068.

Skip to content