A good oral hygiene routine should include regular brushing.
All of us would like to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life, and it’s no secret that proper oral hygiene is key when it comes to keeping our teeth in tip-top shape. Ideally, this should include brushing your teeth regularly, flossing daily and seeing your dentist for routine check-ups and cleans. So just how often should you be brushing your teeth? And how can you ensure that you are doing a good job?
How often should you brush your teeth?
Most dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and again in the evening before you go to bed. It is best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damage to the enamel and soft gum tissue.
Each time that you brush your teeth, you should try to do so for around two minutes. Be sure to clean all the surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue — this will ensure that you get rid of plaque and other debris that may have accumulated.
While regular brushing is essential in maintaining healthy teeth, it is equally important to clean between the teeth by flossing at least once daily. This helps to remove food particles and plaque that may be stuck between the teeth and along the gum line, which can be difficult to reach with your toothbrush alone.
How often should your child brush their teeth?
If you have a child, it is important that you teach them the importance of good oral hygiene from a young age. As soon as their first tooth erupts, you can start to brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste.
Between the ages of three and six years old, your child can use a fluoride toothpaste. You should help your child to brush their teeth twice a day — it’s important that you supervise their brushing routine until they are old enough to master proper techniques. Also, children tend to swallow toothpaste so be sure to show them how to spit when brushing their teeth.
Why should you brush so regularly?
Brushing your teeth is extremely helpful when it comes to keeping oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath at bay. If you don’t make brushing in the morning and evening a regular habit, it’s likely that plaque will build up on your teeth and gum line. The bacteria in plaque can cause serious damage to your teeth as it weakens and wears away at the enamel, often leading to the formation of cavities over time.
The build-up of plaque also contributes to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. This causes the gums to become inflamed and tender. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more severe form of the condition known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause serious issues, such as receding gums, loose teeth and even tooth loss.
In addition to the oral health benefits of regular brushing, good oral hygiene can also help to maintain your overall health. In fact, research suggests that there is a strong connection between one’s oral and general health and gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of various other health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
How can we help?
At Extreme Dentistry in Darwin, we are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy teeth for life. If you have a question or concern about your oral hygiene routine or brushing technique, we are happy to help.
We provide dental care for the whole family, and encourage our patients to come in and see us for a routine check-up and clean every six months. If you have braces, or are particularly susceptible to tooth decay, we may recommend that you come in and see us more frequently.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, please give us a call on 08 8948 1225 or get in touch with us here.
