Brush Up on the Benefits of Brushing

Is teeth brushing really so complicated? Not really, most of us learned how to brush when we were little children. Unfortunately, many of us learned incorrect techniques. Even if we learned the correct way, we don’t always take the time to brush correctly. Mornings are busy times in most households, but don’t slack off on brushing. You just need two minutes in the morning to brush your teeth if you floss at night.

Why Is Tooth Brushing as Important as Seeing a Dentist Regularly?

Brushing your teeth and flossing is just as important part as seeing a dentist regularly. Your oral care routine at home has a significant impact how well your dental exams go. If you brush twice a day, you’ll have fewer cavities and you will reduce your risk of developing gum disease. Prevention is always better than treating dental issues when they arise. Limiting your sugar intake is also important if you want to prevent cavities.

Why Is Dental Plaque Harmful?

Dental plaque is a sticky biofilm that coats your teeth. It contains bacteria, and when you eat or drink sugars and starches, plaque produces an acid that eats away at tooth enamel and causes cavities if it’s not removed by brushing twice a day.

If you don’t remove plaque from hard-to-reach places by brushing or flossing, it builds up and hardens into a yellowish substance called tartar. Tarter near your gums will irritate them, causing gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. You may notice your gums appear swollen, bright red and they may bleed when you brush your teeth. A dentist or dental hygienist can remove tarter by scraping it off with special instruments. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it may progress into more advanced gum disease, called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease isn’t reversible, like gingivitis, but it is treatable. Without treatment to stop it from progressing, tooth loss will eventually occur. Periodontal disease in an infection; the infection will destroy the bone, tissue and ligaments holding your teeth in place. More adults lose teeth to gum disease than any other reason.

Perfecting Your Toothbrushing Technique

Most people believe they brush long enough, but they are actually only brushing for 60 seconds or less. Time yourself and you can feel proud if you’re someone who automatically brushes their teeth for two minutes without timing themselves. Brushing for two minutes twice a day is ideal. The perfect technique also includes:

1. Using the Right Toothbrush

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles of varying heights. Soft bristles bend to reach into places plaque can hide. Also, make sure the brush isn’t too big to maneuver inside your mouth. You should buy a new toothbrush every four months, sooner if you have had any time of infection or sickness or the bristles are worn. Worn bristles can hurt your gums and make your teeth more sensitive. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use and store it in an upright position. Do not cover your toothbrush.

You don’t need an expensive toothbrush to reap the benefits of brushing, but there are specialized ones that are helpful for some people. If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may suggest a toothbrush with extra soft bristles. There are also toothbrushes with angled heads and large, easy-to-grip handles that are easier for people with certain impairments to use. People with crooked teeth may find a child’s toothbrush with a small head easier to get into small spaces between misaligned teeth.

2. Choosing a Toothpaste

Use a fluoride toothpaste with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on it. You’ll find a broad range of store and name brand gels and toothpastes in all price ranges with the ADA seal. You only need to put a dab on your wet toothbrush (about the size of a pea). Adults can use any toothpaste with fluoride, but if you choose a whitening toothpaste that is abrasive, don’t use it for long periods of time as it can ear down tooth enamel. You can also find tartar control toothpaste and toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth.

3. Your Technique

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush all teeth surfaces, including the back sides of your teeth. You also have to brush the chewing surfaces. Do this for two minutes and then brush your gently tongue to remove bacteria. Spit out any excess toothpaste but don’t rinse, so the fluoride stays on your teeth.

4. Flossing

You should floss once a day, preferably before you brush. This way the bits of food you remove from between your teeth will get rinsed away when you spit after brushing. You can use waxed or unwaxed floss, dental tape, water flossers or any of the other alternatives on the market.

The American Dental Association conducted a study which showed nearly 75 percent of Americans would rather do their grocery shopping than floss their teeth. If this sounds like you, ask your dental professional about flossing options you may find less tedious.

5. Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are useful for removing food particles after brushing, fighting bad breath or adding extra fluoride to your teeth, Your dentist may suggest a specific type of OTC mouthwash or a prescription one, depending on your oral care needs.

6. Regular Dental Care

Seeing your dentist every six months will also help you maintain a healthy, bright smile. When the dental hygienist professionally cleans your teeth, he or she will let you know how good of a job you’re doing keeping your teeth clean and healthy. He or she can also recommend products to make the job easier if you’re having any difficulties.

Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy With a Good Oral Care Routine

When you take good care of your teeth, you’ll enjoy better dental health throughout your life. Considering how important your teeth are to eating, speaking clearly and having an attractive smile, it’s foolish not to take good care of them.