You probably know that the American Dental Association recommends brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and flossing after the last snack of the night. But you may wonder about the details of exactly when, whether it matters what kind of brush or floss you use, and how both procedures need to be done to be effective.
Brushing in the Morning
The little-known fact about why it is important to brush in the morning is that overnight bacteria accumulate in the mouth and they create plaque, the sticky film that can cause cavities in teeth and lead to periodontal or gum infection.
An argument against brushing immediately when you wake up is that saliva production during sleep is reduced and it helps protects teeth from bacteria and any abrasive in a toothpaste (charcoal is a common one; whatever toothpaste one uses, be sure it has fluoride, which has been proven to be safe and effective in fighting cavities). If you want to brush before breakfast, wait at least 30 minutes after you get up, experts advise.
Removing Excess Bacteria
Another way to get rid of much of the accumulated bacteria is to scrape it off the tongue, which is far more effective than using a brush on your tongue.
The best argument for brushing after breakfast is that acidic foods liquids, like orange juice and coffee, can be removed, along with the bacteria, rather than letting them do their damage until lunch or after dinner. But the choice of when to do both brushing will depend on your personal schedule.
Using an Electric Toothbrush
According to dentists, it is best to use an electric toothbrush because “two minutes will do the job, while using a manual one really should require three to five minutes…and most actually take less than a minute.” The brush head also wears out in a few months, so one should plan to switch, as it is one of the best habits to prolong your dental health.
Technique also matters: brush teeth from the gums to the tops of the teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces of the molars. Floss should be firmly held against each side between the teeth and moved upwards, while using a fresh part of the floss each time to avoid contamination.
Because most people do not do a thorough job in brushing and flossing, eventually this leads to the gums pulling away their support for teeth, which become loose and fall out or have to be extracted. Already by ages 35-49, Americans have lost an average of three teeth, while those 50-64 no longer have an average of five.
To avoid this, it is very important to schedule a professional cleaning by our dental hygienist at least twice a year, since she has the tools and techniques to do a much better job than anyone can for themselves. She may also recommend that you use a dentist-grade mouthwash, a water flosser, or have regular antibacterial gum treatment. If you have not had a hygienic cleaning recently, call today to schedule one and prevent serious problems from developing.
