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Consider Your Brushing Habits

You have probably heard from your dentist or maybe even a parent that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. But why? Why is it so important to brush your teeth as recommended? Additionally, simply brushing your teeth is not enough. You have to brush them gently and floss them as well. There are all these rules for brushing your teeth. Are they really necessary? 

The answer is yes. To keep your teeth and mouth as healthy as possible, you need to follow these simple steps.

woman brushing her teeth in the mirror preventative dentistry dentist in Plano Texas

Proper Brushing Habits

One of the more important ideas to enact is the number of times you brush your teeth in a day. Typically, most dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day. Additionally, you may want to consider brushing about an hour after each meal or snack. This helps remove food particles from your mouth. Not only does this reduce bad breath, but it also minimizes the food source for harmful bacteria. 

You should pay attention to the way you brush your teeth as well. For example, you should gently brush your teeth in small circles—on the front side of your teeth. Brushing in a circular motion breaks up plaque more efficiently, especially near your gum line. In addition, you should brush your teeth gently to protect your enamel and gums. 

Brushing with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle can help remove plaque underneath your gum line. It is essential that you remove plaque to avoid serious dental issues. 

Another important brushing rule is that you should replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) around every three months. Over time, the bristles can wear out and harbor bacteria that can harm your oral environment. 

Dental Issues

If you don’t brush your teeth often or long enough, you can develop some serious dental problems. 

Tooth Decay

If you don’t properly remove plaque, it can react with the food you eat, especially sugar. Plaque consumes the sugar and creates acid. Unfortunately, this acid will attack the enamel, forming small pits of decay (cavities)

Gum Disease

When plaque sits along the gum line, it can cause irritation. A mild irritation can grow into a significant problem. Plaque can cause an infection in the soft tissues—also called gum disease. Gum disease can create several issues, including receding gums, missing teeth, and gum deterioration. 

Missing Teeth

Both tooth decay and gum disease can cause missing teeth. Excessive decay can cause a tooth to fall apart. Additionally, gum disease can affect the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Without proper oral health or brushing techniques, you are at risk of losing your teeth. 

Overall Health Issues

There are several health issues that are connected to poor oral health. For example, people with poor oral hygiene are at a higher risk of heart disease. Many studies connect the presence of plaque in the mouth to the plaque that forms in arteries.