How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do at home to care for your oral health and reduce your risk for cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.

One of the most common questions people have when it comes to brushing is how often they should do it. Well, you need to brush your teeth every single day, but how you do it also matters a great deal.

Keep reading to find out how often you should be brushing your teeth.

What You Need to Properly Brush Your Teeth at Home

A good tooth-brushing routine needs 3 elements:

• A good toothpaste - Opt for toothpaste that contains fluoride and doesn’t have any abrasive ingredients which could damage your tooth enamel. The fluoride can help keep your teeth strong;
• A good toothbrush - It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching your enamel. You may think you’re cleaning your teeth better with a hard-bristled brush, but you may create a lot of damage down the line. You can also switch to an electric toothbrush, which may allow you to apply less pressure on your teeth;
• Brushing technique - If you have a manual toothbrush, the technique is essential. You should hold the bristles against the outside of your top teeth, near the gums, at a 45-degree angle upward, more or less. After, gently brush back and forth in soft strokes, or use circular motions if you prefer.

How Many Times a Day Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth after every meal. If you can’t do that, then at least brush your teeth once in the morning, and once at night before bed.

After meals, you can drink or cleanse the mouth with tap water enriched with fluoride to remove any traces of food that can still linger. Gentle mouthwash or sugar-free gum may also help clean the teeth to a point after you eat.

What Happens If You Don't Brush Your Teeth?

The mouth is full of harmful bacteria that are just waiting for food to be left for them to feast on. By not brushing your teeth, you’re giving this bacteria enough nutrition to wreak havoc on your oral health.

For starters, improper oral hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar build-up, which deposit on the teeth near the gums, and may lead to gum disease. Moreover, as the bacteria eat they release acids that break down tooth enamel, causing cavities and eventually even an infection.

Get Preventative Dental Care at Dental Wellness in Bergen County

Even with an enhanced at-home oral care routine, nothing compares to a professional cleaning done by Dr. Moses. She can remove plaque and bacteria from every nook and cranny in your mouth.

Book a preventative care appointment at Bergen Dental Wellness online, or call us at (201) 265-4700.