Can vigorous tooth brushing damage the nerves of the mouth?

Question

Hello doctor,

After lunch, food got stuck in my upper back molar region. I took my toothbrush and tried to scrub it to get it out. It did not come out so I kept scrubbing my tooth. In the process, I pushed my brush too far and kept hitting the spot behind my back molar a few times.

I am not sure what was behind that back molar but I kept hitting it with my toothbrush and now a few hours later it feels weird. Have I damaged any nerves or anything back there with my toothbrush? I do not think there is any blood, and I am not sure how hard I hit it but I think I hit five or six times.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Vigorous brushing cannot damage any nerves but might hurt the gums leading to some tissue surface abrasions. It is nothing to be worried about. So, gargle with warm water or saline twice a day for healthy gums and to remove any food debris decaying behind the molar. It is advisable not to rub hard on your teeth and gums every time you brush as it can cause severe cervical abrasion in the future.

I hope this was helpful.

Thank you.