It is advisable to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
It’s no secret that brushing your teeth regularly helps maintain overall oral health and prevents tooth decay and gum disease issues. But how often should you brush your teeth? And what other oral hygiene habits should form part of your routine? Read on to find out how to improve your daily regime and ensure that your teeth are clean and healthy…
How often is often enough?
You must brush your teeth at least twice a day. This helps to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque accumulated in your mouth throughout the day. When you brush your teeth, try and brush for at least two minutes each time.
Every time that you eat something that contains sugar, the harmful bacteria in plaque produce acids. These acids attack the enamel of the teeth, eventually eroding it over time. As the enamel erodes, the risk of cavities increases. For this reason, plaque must be removed from the surface of the teeth — if left unremoved, plaque can harden into tartar, which can cause issues like gum disease.
When should you brush your teeth?
It is advisable to brush your teeth in the morning and the evening. You can also brush after a snack or meal to remove bacteria from your teeth. However, it is important to note that you should not brush your teeth immediately after eating, especially if you have consumed something acidic. Acidic foods and drinks can weaken the enamel of the teeth, and if you brush too soon, you might remove some enamel. Rather wait around half an hour after eating before you brush your teeth.
What other habits are important for oral health?
Besides brushing your teeth at least twice a day, it is also important that you floss daily. This helps to remove plaque and food particles that you may not get rid of with your toothbrush. You might also consider rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
Besides committing to good oral hygiene habits, choosing a healthy, balanced diet is also beneficial to your oral health. Try and eat plenty of whole foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. It is also advisable that you avoid frequent snacking, as this gives the bacteria in your mouth plenty of time to produce harmful acids that can erode the enamel of the teeth.
It’s also a good idea to see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. Even if you have a stringent oral hygiene routine, your dentist can provide you with a professional clean and check for any potential issues before they become serious.
How can we help?
Although proper oral hygiene is key to maintaining oral health, it is also important that you see your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleans. At Somerset Dental Care, we offer these services to patients of all ages and encourage our patients to come in and see us every six months or so.
While regular brushing helps remove food particles and plaque, professional teeth cleaning eliminates tartar that cannot be removed at home. It is important to remove tartar as it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left on the teeth and gumline. Professional cleaning also includes a polish, which helps to remove superficial stains from the surface of the teeth.
If you would like to find out what a check-up and clean involves at Somerset Dental Care, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 02 4648 0909 or book an appointment online. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
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