Everyone knows the importance of brushing teeth, but how often should you brush them? While most people do this twice daily, some dentists recommend brushing after every meal to remove food particles from your mouth. However, this is only sometimes realistic; if you cannot brush after lunch, completing your oral hygiene routine twice a day is fine.
Dental health and proper oral hygiene are incredibly important, and brushing will allow you to maintain a bright and beautiful smile. A proper oral hygiene routine will reduce your risk of developing dental cavities and decay and help prevent other serious dental problems that can lead to health conditions. Remember; your oral health is directly linked to your overall health, and you must brush your teeth daily to remain healthy overall.
It’s also important to remind patients that while the frequency of brushing your teeth is important, efficiency is equally as important because there is a proper way to brush your teeth. The right technique will help prevent the buildup of plaque and will keep your teeth clean and shiny. Brushing your teeth correctly will help you maintain your lovely smile, so you need to consider the number of times you should brush your teeth and your technique.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is ideal, as is the following:
Choose your toothbrush wisely
Did you know that not all toothbrushes are created equal? Many people must pay more attention to the toothbrush and purchase anyone they find. This is a mistake, and you need to consider your toothbrush carefully because some are far better than others.
Dental professionals always recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush because they can provide you with a great clean. Soft-bristle toothbrushes with angles or multi-layer bristles are highly recommended because they can ensure an excellent clean without damaging your teeth. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can place unnecessary pressure on your teeth and negatively impact the enamel and gums. A soft-bristled toothbrush will clean your teeth without harming your teeth. You must angle the bristles to get into nooks and crannies.
Electric toothbrushes are also highly recommended because they are effective in removing plaque, and the repetition and vibration of the brush will place the right amount of pressure on your teeth. Additionally, you must change your toothbrush regularly because the bristles will wear down and become ineffective. An old toothbrush will no longer be able to clean your teeth effectively. It is recommended that you change it every three months or so.
Do not brush immediately after eating acidic foods
Brushing your teeth immediately after meals is not recommended, especially after eating acidic foods. Acids can weaken your teeth’ enamel, and brushing your teeth right after consuming acidic foods can do more harm than good. Acids in the mouth can weaken the enamel, the outer layer of your tooth. If you brush immediately following your meal, you can damage your enamel.
To prevent damage and protect your teeth, it is recommended that you wait 30 minutes to an hour after eating to brush your teeth because this will give your tooth enamel enough time to re-mineralize and build itself back up.
Use the right strokes
There is a proper way to brush your teeth, and you must use the right strokes to remove plaque and clean all surfaces of your teeth successfully. Use back-and-forth, short strokes to clean your teeth properly, and do not brush too hard. Rhythmic moves can help you sweep through your teeth, and vertical strokes will allow you to reach the areas between your teeth.
Small food particles can get caught in teeth and must be removed through brushing. If they remain stuck, they can become plaque, sticking to the surface of teeth and triggering decay.
Don’t forget to floss
Flossing is equally important as brushing, and you must brush and floss daily. Your toothbrush cannot access hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, and flossing will help remove food particles from these areas.
Regular flossing is crucial for dental hygiene. If you skip this step, plaque can build up between your teeth and along your gumline, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque and debris from the challenging areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
Brush for two minutes
You must brush for two minutes to remove plaque and clean your teeth effectively. This allows you to reach every tooth and clean its surfaces properly. You do not need to exceed this time because if you brush properly, this amount of time will do the job, and there is no need to lengthen this process.
In short, brushing your teeth at least twice daily is recommended, and you must do this properly using the right toothbrush and techniques.
Get Professional Teeth Cleaning At Queen Street Dentistry
Are you looking for a friendly and reliable dentist near you? Queen Street Dentistry is always accepting new patients! We are proud to serve our patients here in St. Marys. Our reputable dentist will listen to your dental goals and provide you with the dental care you deserve!
We provide our patients with professional advice and recommendations, and our family dentistry offers a warm and welcoming environment for patients of all ages.
If you want to schedule your dental checkups with an experienced dentist near you, contact our dental clinic today to book your next appointment!