On the other hand, a hard-bristled brush, coupledwithvigorousbrushingcanresult inrecessionof the gumsand the abrasionoftooth enamel and exposedrootsurfaces.
In the most serious cases the enamel is worn away to such an extent that the dentine (the substance that comprises the bulk of the tooth) or even the pulp (the root) of the tooth are exposed.