Brushing
Why Brushing Is Important
Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled.
Second, toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen.
Third, special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Fourth, toothpastes help freshen breath and leave your mouth with a clean feeling.
How To Brush Your Teeth
When brushing, make sure you have a systematic routine that helps ensure you reach every tooth’s surface, including front, back, and in between. Some dentists recommend using a quadrant approach, spending at least 30 seconds on each quadrant and a minimum of two minutes for your whole mouth. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle when brushing both the outer and inner teeth.
For chewing surfaces, experts recommend you brush in a back and forth motion with the brush flat against your teeth. For the inside surfaces of your front teeth, it’s best to brush using an up-and-down motion with the brush tilted vertically. Finally, don’t forget to brush your tongue. This will remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
What Happens if You Skip or Forget to Brush Your Teeth?
The reality is that not brushing your teeth before bed is bad news. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your beautiful smile twice a day. Skip a session, and you're on your way to encouraging the growth of bacterial buildup in the form of plaque, which can lead to cavities and even gum disease.
Save yourself the frustration of dealing with bad oral health and even tooth loss by remembering to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
