Oral health and hygiene can often become overly concerned with today’s society. So, you should maintain good dental health for several reasons. One of the reasons is that keeping your mouth clean is essential to your general health. Also, maintaining your dental condition at a healthy level will make you feel and look better, boost your confidence, and lower your risk of getting dental caries, tooth decay, and other major oral health issues. How often should I brush my teeth?
Why is brushing your teeth necessary?
Tooth brushing is one of the most important fundamental practices since it is a daily habit that directly affects the health of our teeth and gums and maintains overall wellness. At Oakville Family Dentist, we advise you to brush your teeth regularly to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The accumulation of bacteria on teeth, known as plaque, must be removed for dental hygiene. Proper brushing removes bacteria and plaque formation that could accumulate on your tongue and between your teeth. Please develop a habit of brushing twice a day to improve your lifestyle and immune system.
Teeth Brushing: How does it avoid decay?
Brushing your teeth eliminates the sticky dental plaque, which consists of food particles, acids, bacteria, and sticky byproducts. It naturally develops on teeth right after eating.
After consuming sugar, the bacteria create acids as a byproduct that dissolve minerals from the teeth, creating tiny and invisible holes. Regular brushing prevents bacteria from growing to the extent that they could damage your teeth.
Plaque accumulation on teeth can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that eventually results in the loss of gum tissue. Tartar is plaque that has hardened and become more destructive. Regular brushing will help prevent tartar build-up, which may be removed by seeing your hygienist.
When Is The Right Time To Brush Your Teeth?
- We advise our patients to brush their teeth twice a day.
- You should brush your teeth before bed to help remove food particles and prevent harmful plaque from accumulating through the night.
- Avoid tooth erosion by brushing right before breakfast, not after.
- Every time you brush, spend at least two minutes doing so.
Why Is It Better To Brush Your Teeth Before Breakfast Than Afterwards?
Your mouth is inactive when you sleep, which allows bacteria to grow exponentially and adhere to your teeth. When you wake up, your mouth will have germs and bacteria, which could harm your overall wellness. Did you know that by eating breakfast first, you’re feeding harmful bacteria in your body? These bacteria thrive on the extra sugar and nutrients you provide them, causing damage to your overall health.
The sugars in the food you eat are broken down by bacteria, producing acid. Your gums and enamel are both harmed by this acid. Following an acidic meal or drink, brushing your teeth immediately afterward may cause the abrasive bristles in your toothpaste and toothbrush to react with the acidity, wearing down the enamel. The naturally yellow dentin below is visible as a result. The term “tooth erosion” describes this.
In addition, if you do not brush your teeth before breakfast, you are ingesting the bacteria that has accumulated overnight in your mouth. As a result, it is necessary to brush and floss your teeth before having your breakfast.
Teeth Brushing: How Should You Do It?
1. Selecting the Correct Toothbrush and Toothpaste.
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a comfortable handle first. Use of fluoride toothpaste in conjunction with it to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
2. Apply Toothpaste.
Apply toothpaste to your toothbrush by using a pea-sized amount. Using extra toothpaste does not improve the cleaning effect and might erode your enamel, contradicting common assumptions.
3. Perfect Positioning: Hold Your Brush at a 45-degree Angle.
Maintain a 45-degree angle between your toothbrush and your gums. Because of their angle, the bristles can effectively clean the spaces between teeth and the gum line.
4. Brush in Short, Gentle Strokes.
Refrain from brushing your teeth aggressively since it can harm your gums and enamel. Instead, move back and forth with small, delicate strokes. Observe the chewing, inner, and exterior surfaces of your teeth in detail.
5. Clean Your Tongue and the Roof of Your Mouth.
Ensure that you clean your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Since these areas contain bacteria that cause foul breath, carefully clean them with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
6. Spend at least two minutes brushing.
Dentists advise brushing for at least two minutes. To ensure a thorough cleansing, try splitting your mouth into four sections and dedicating 30 seconds to each.
7. Use Circular Motions for Front Teeth.
For the front teeth, utilize circular motions. This procedure assists in removing food particles and plaque from the frequently difficult-to-reach areas.
8. Rinse Thoroughly.
After you brush your teeth, give your mouth a good rinse with water. It aids in getting rid of any leftover toothpaste and particles.
9. After brushing your teeth at night, avoid eating or drinking anything but water.
You should avoid eating or drinking anything but water after brushing your teeth at night.
Professionals in dentistry agree that the answer to the question “How often should I brush my teeth?” is twice a day, with good technique and extra considerations depending on individual needs. The secret to a healthy smile is to maintain a rigorous and consistent oral hygiene regimen in addition to routine dental exams. Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, the best method for maintaining healthy teeth and gums is to brush correctly, frequently, and thoroughly using fluoride toothpaste.
Also Read: Your Oral Health Is Overall Health