Is it possible to brush for too long?

On average I brush for about 4-5 minutes twice a day. Is that too long to brush per session?

Yes, especially if you are combining the time with increased presssure and a hard bristled brush. Not only can you damage your gingiva and cause recession but you can abrade the enamel and create a nice lesion. 4-5 minutes is a bit long: 2 - 3 minutes with the modified Bass technique is what I have been taught.

Over time that can really wear on your teeth, especially if you are brushing with a lot of force. Proper brushing doesn't require much force at all.

I've heard that each time you brush should be about 2-3 mins and not with too much force, but is it ok to brush about 4-5 times a day and floss each time too (almost after each meal)?

I've heard that each time you brush should be about 2-3 mins and not with too much force, but is it ok to brush about 4-5 times a day and floss each time too (almost after each meal)?
2-3 mins each time with a very soft toothbrush, bedtime/morning and after meal. You shouldn't use any force at all when brushing, just be gentle! Using force or hard bristle toothbrush will cause gingival recession and abfraction (wearing of the enamel, leaving semicircular hole close to the gingiva).
Floss after each meal to prevent bad breath and interproximal caries (decays between the two teeth).

Wow, I never knew it could be so harmful. I'm definetly going to cut down on my brushing time then.

Thanks for the info :thumbup:

2-3 mins each time with a very soft toothbrush, bedtime/morning and after meal. You shouldn't use any force at all when brushing, just be gentle! Using force or hard bristle toothbrush will cause gingival recession and abfraction (wearing of the enamel, leaving semicircular hole close to the gingiva).
Floss after each meal to prevent bad breath and interproximal caries (decays between the two teeth).

not to be a jerk, but technically abfraction is a smooth surface lesions due to occlusal forces, you probably were thinking of abrasion, which would be caused by brushing.

Besides the time its all about the roll technique combined with the circle movement.

not to be a jerk, but technically abfraction is a smooth surface lesions due to occlusal forces, you probably were thinking of abrasion, which would be caused by brushing.
ummhhh, actually abfraction is the clinical dx divided into two camps- those who argue for tooth brushes and other artificial forces as the cause and those who point to internal physiological sources "flexural forces," which you mentioned as occlusal forces.
V-shaped abrasion is usually caused by toothbrush. Either (I-ther!) way, I think that we're splitting hairs here!

ummhhh, actually abfraction is the clinical dx divided into two camps- those who argue for tooth brushes and other artificial forces as the cause and those who point to internal physiological sources "flexural forces," which you mentioned as occlusal forces.
V-shaped abrasion is usually caused by toothbrush. Either (I-ther!) way, I think that we're splitting hairs here!

interesting, i have never heard of abfraction being anything other than occlusal (flexural) forces, or a cervical lesion with no other possible cause, but i guess you learn something new everyday. word.

if i could use flexural in every sentence I would be in heaven.