You’ve probably heard that you should brush your teeth twice a day many, many times. But you may not know why doing so is important. Fortunately, we’re here to tell you why this recommendation is so popular.
When you eat, bits of food join with the bacteria inside your mouth and create plaque. Plaque is a sticky, filmy substance that can easily coat your enamel and gums. The bacteria in the plaque can release acid which is no good for your mouth. It can eat away at your enamel and cause cavities. The longer the acid stays in your mouth, the higher the risk of a cavity. By brushing your teeth twice a day, you can remove plaque before it takes a toll on your teeth.
Brushing your teeth twice daily can also prevent tartar buildup. Essentially, tartar is plaque that has hardened. If you brush as often as you should, you can remove the plaque before it turns into tartar. You’ll find it much easier to brush and floss away soft plaque. Tartar is far more difficult to remove and oftentimes must be scraped away by a dental professional.
Another reason it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day is bad breath. If you brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly, you can remove the microbes that can cause bad breath and prevent embarrassing situations. Brushing also removes any food particles that may be stuck between them. We can’t forget to mention that it keeps your teeth white and attractive.
Tips for Brushing Your Teeth
To get the most out of your teeth brushing sessions, be sure to follow these tips.
Be Selective with Your Toothbrush
The ideal toothbrush has rounded, soft bristles. If you choose a toothbrush with harder bristles, it can scrape away enamel and dentin from your teeth, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and damage.
Use the Right Strokes
Every time you brush your teeth, use short strokes and avoid brushing too hard. Make sure you remove any small food particles while you’re brushing. Otherwise, these particles may turn into plaque and stick to your teeth’s surface.
Floss Daily
Flossing is just as important as brushing even though you only have to do it once a day. By flossing on a regular basis, you can remove food particles as well as plaque and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.
Don’t Brush for Too Long
You shouldn’t brush your teeth for more than 45 seconds. It’s more important to brush properly than for a long time. You can always set a timer on your phone to make sure you don’t overdo it.
Visit the Dentist
Don’t forget to schedule routine exams and cleanings at the dentist. This can help you identify dental issues early on before they become more serious and difficult to treat. We recommend visits in our office every six months or so. Many people have called and asked about our Covid-19 policies. We respect your personal decisions but know that weekly Covid testing for businesses is coming in the near future. As of now, we wear masks and try to keep your safety our highest priority.
Schedule an Appointment at Tryon Family Dentistry
For more information on the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office. Call us at 919-249-6799 today! We look forward to hearing from you!
