Brush Up on the Benefits of Brushing

Just about everyone is aware of the fact that you should brush your teeth on a consistent basis. It’s something that has been drilled into us time and time again since we were small children. Because of this, you may be wondering why you need to educate yourself on how to brush your teeth. The reason is simple. Brushing your teeth is such a routine task for most of us that it’s easy to skip important elements of it in an effort to save time. However, if you want to keep your mouth as healthy and beautiful as possible, you need to be sure that you are using proper techniques when you brush your teeth.

Why Brushing Your Teeth is Important

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. This not only assists in keeping the breath smelling fresh, but it also prevents stains. The most important reason why you should brush your teeth is because it is one of the best things that you can do to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease is not only the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but it is also linked to serious diseases such as pneumonia, stroke, heart disease and diabetes. While you still need to see your dentist on a regular basis, you also need to be sure that you are utilizing proper brushing technique to ward off tooth decay and gum disease.

Why Is Plaque Harmful to Teeth If Not Removed?

While you may have heard about plaque, you may wonder what exactly it is and why it is so harmful to your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky material that forms on your teeth when you eat or drink. This substance then combines with the starches and sugars present in food and beverages that you consume to form a type of acid that destroys the enamel of the teeth. This is what causes tooth decay and cavities. Plaque is also the culprit behind gum inflammation and irritation. If left to continue forming on the teeth and gums, plaque will eventually cause gingivitis. This is an early form of gum disease that has symptoms such as red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums. Not treating gingivitis leads to a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This stage causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, infection, bone loss and eventually the loss of the teeth.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Proper Brushing Habits

As you can see, not brushing your teeth and gums properly can lead to serious issues with your oral health. Dental health professionals around the world see the negative impact that not brushing properly has on people every day. Not only do you need to be brushing your teeth on a regular basis, but you also need to be sure that you are doing so correctly. The ADA has several recommendations on how to ensure proper brushing techniques, no matter your age. These recommendations include:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. If you can, you should brush after consuming a meal. This assists in ridding the mouth of bacteria and acid that leads to decay and disease.
• Be sure that you are reaching all of your teeth while you’re brushing them. This includes your teeth that are located in difficult-to-reach places. If you experience any pain or sensitivity while brushing, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with a dentist in Bradenton.
• Use the right kind of toothbrushes. Experts recommend that you use a brush that has soft bristles. This prevents damage to the teeth and gums. Your toothbrush should also be firm enough that it can withstand removing plaque. You may want to consider using a battery-powered or electric toothbrush. Many dentists have found that these devices are able to remove more plaque than more traditional toothbrushes can.
• Choose a toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA. While there are many different kinds of toothpaste available, you want to make sure that the one you are using is effective.
• Separate your mouth into four areas and brush each area for at least 30 seconds while holding your brush at a slight angle. Your movements should be gentle. The brush should go in a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to brush your tongue, as well as the inside, outside and bottom of the teeth.
• Using a slight circular motion will ensure that you don’t cause unnecessary wear and tear to your teeth and gums.
• One of the most important aspects of properly brushing your teeth is the timing. The ADA suggests that you brush for at least two minutes. This amount of time allows for you to properly remove plaque, bacteria and food particles.
• Make sure you clean your toothbrush. Rinse it in water after you’ve finished brushing. Allow it to air-dry while sitting upright. Don’t keep your toothbrush in a closed container, as it can cause bacteria to grow on it.
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every three months or whenever the bristles look worn.
• Floss your teeth every day. This gets rid of plaque and food particles located in areas where your toothbrush can’t go.
• It doesn’t matter the order in which you brush and floss.
• Use a mouth rinse that’s been approved by the ADA. This should be done after brushing and flossing. It aids in removing any leftover plaque and food particles.
• Visit with your dentist every six months. This allows your dentist to professionally clean your teeth and give you a routine examination.

Maintain Your Dental Health by Brushing Your Teeth

Even if you’ve been brushing your teeth for many years, it’s important to go over the basics from time to time. Incorporating proper technique will keep your mouth happy and healthy for the rest of your life.