Generally, most of us don’t think much about the importance of brushing our teeth. It’s part of our everyday routine, but it’s fairly common that we don’t actually brush well enough to fully clean our mouths. It is easy enough to just go through the motions and think that your mouth is clean — when it’s actually not. Going to see your dentist at least twice a year is a great way to make sure your mouth is healthy, but it’s not the end-all-be-all for your oral health.

The Importance Of Brushing Well:

Gum Disease Prevention 

When you don’t brush often, or well enough, plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a buildup of bacteria and food on your teeth and in the surrounding areas of your mouth. Plaque is dangerous because it leads to adverse effects like gum disease. Gingivitis, a common form of gum disease, causes a yellow lining at the base of teeth that leads to inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If gum disease is not treated, it can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and other more serious diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Prevents Tooth Abscess

Tooth abscess happens when bacteria in the mouth multiplies to unhealthy levels because your mouth becomes an environment that bacteria can easily grow in. If untreated, tooth abscess causes serious health conditions, often involving the heart, lungs, or even the brain. In some cases, tooth abscess has led to infections to vital organs and even death.

Having Healthy Babies

Brushing your teeth well leads to healthier babies and healthier pregnancies. Who knew? Gum disease has been shown to increase the chance of premature birth and low birth weight. If you are pregnant, remember that the build-up of bacteria in your mouth can move into your bloodstream, and end up in the bloodstream of your baby.

Prevents Heart Attack And Stroke

Being that bacteria from your mouth can end up in your bloodstream, this bacteria increases your likelihood of cholesterol build-up in the arteries. When cholesterol accumulates in your arteries, your risk of heart attack and stroke increases dramatically.

Tips For Brushing Properly:

1. Brush ALL of your teeth.

When you’re brushing, it’s easy to just brush the front of your teeth haphazardly and call it good. Do not do that. That is what leads to plaque build-up, and the serious effects discussed earlier. Make sure you cover as much surface area of your teeth as you can. There will be areas that you can’t reach, and that’s because your toothbrush can only cover so much surface area. The excess is what flossing is for. Dentists often recommend that you break your mouth into four quadrants, and spend 30 seconds intentionally brushing each quadrant.

2. It should take at least two minutes.

If you’re taking 30 seconds total to brush, you’re not brushing enough. To brush as thoroughly as dentists recommend, you should be spending a minimum of two minutes brushing your teeth. If it’s hard for you to remember how long you’ve been brushing, play your favorite song and brush for the duration of the song.

3. Floss.

Flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing gets whatever is in between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Bacteria that causes tooth decay lingers between teeth and on the gum line. Flossing should be done once a day and brushing twice a day.

4. Create a routine to brush properly.

Make sure it’s part of your routine to brush thoroughly and properly. The quadrant is a great system to make sure you brush well every time. When you brush, make sure to get all areas of your teeth as well as your tongue to remove excess bacteria and keep breath fresh. Make sure you have a toothbrush that fits your mouth, and you use toothpaste. It’s not enough to just brush with water. It’s not only brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy. Make sure what you eat and drink is not loaded with sugar. Plaque feeds on sugar, so fruits, vegetables, and water are great staples to make sure to include in your diet for good oral health.

5.Go see your dentist regularly.

Ask your dentist for more tips on how you specifically can brush well. Seeing your dentist regularly is a healthy practice to ensure oral health, and the prevention of disease. They can help you keep your mouth extra clean and show you techniques for effective brushing and flossing.  It is recommended that you schedule a dental exam twice per year.

Designer Smiles Dentistry is Missouri City’s Top Rated Local® dentist. We are passionate about giving you the best quality dental services, and as a result, seeing you love your smile. Schedule your first teeth cleaning with us today for a free X-ray and Exam.