When and how often should you brush your teeth?

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Good oral hygiene begins with regular brushing. Following a daily brushing and flossing routine will contribute to a brighter smile, less cavities, and better overall health. When should you brush your teeth and how many times a day should you brush your teeth?

1. How many times do you brush your teeth a day?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush their teeth twice a day, morning and evening, with a fine-bristled brush. For optimal oral health, the American Dental Association also recommends brushing for a minimum of 2 minutes at a time, and to make sure you brush between your teeth.
In choosing when to brush your teeth, you can also consider your diet. If you have eaten acidic foods or drinks, avoid brushing your teeth right away. These acids weaken tooth enamel, and brushing too soon can cause enamel loss.
In addition to brushing your teeth, you also need to clean between your teeth once a day. You can use dental floss or another interdental cleaner such as a toothpick or water flosser.
Cleaning or flossing between your teeth helps remove plaque and food particles that often get stuck under your gumline and between your teeth. If you regularly skip this step, bacteria can settle on your teeth or gum line, increasing your risk of tooth decay and other dental problems. Talk to your dentist about which type of floss or dental appliance is right for you.

2. When should babies and children brush their teeth?

It is important for infants and children to practice good oral hygiene as well, starting at the earliest sign of a new tooth emerging above the gum line.
As soon as you see your baby's teeth come in, start brushing with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association, you can use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, to brush your child's teeth.
Children 3 to 6 years old can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrush. You can help your child brush his teeth twice a day (morning and night), for 2 minutes each time.
Since it is easy for children to swallow toothpaste, supervise their brushing until they can spit while brushing.

3. What happens if you don't brush your teeth?

If you regularly go to bed without brushing your teeth, it is unlikely to cause long-term problems. However, if you regularly skip brushing your teeth at night or in the morning, you can increase your risk of dental disease and complications.
The most common problem caused by not brushing regularly is plaque buildup and tooth decay. When you don't brush your teeth regularly, food and bacteria build up on your teeth, causing plaque, a translucent, and slippery coating that sticks to your teeth.
Bacteria in plaque can wreak havoc on your teeth, causing your enamel to wear down. Over time, this can cause cavities to form.
If plaque persists, you are also at risk of gingivitis, a common form of gum disease. Gingivitis is when your gums become inflamed, making them painful and easier to bleed.
When gingivitis gets worse, it can lead to periodontitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. This can lead to bone loss and loose teeth that can fall out.

4. Can poor oral hygiene affect other aspects of health?

Poor oral hygiene is not just a problem for your mouth. It can also affect other aspects of your health.
In fact, if daily brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist are not on your priority list, you may be increasing your risk of heart disease on your own.
Results from a large 2019 study show that good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart failure.
In addition, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, poor oral health in pregnant women is associated with premature birth and low birth weight babies.
Visiting your dentist every 6 months for dental cleanings and routine checkups can help improve overall oral hygiene and reduce your risk of developing other health conditions.

5. What is the right way to brush your teeth?

Knowing how to brush your teeth is just as important as how often you brush your teeth each day. To help maximize your oral health, follow these steps for proper brushing.
Brushing with proper technique: To brush, place the soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle along the gums and move the brush back and forth for a short distance. You should only apply gentle pressure to avoid hurting or scratching the gums. Brush all surfaces of teeth including chewing and other surfaces of all teeth. Finally, you need to brush your tongue to remove all bacteria in the oral cavity.

Use the right toothbrush: Using an electric or manual toothbrush is a good choice. A 2014 research review found that electric toothbrushes were more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than regular toothbrushes. However, what is still important is your oral hygiene routine and what you feel comfortable using. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Soft bristles reduce the risk of gum abrasion. Alternatively, you can choose a toothbrush with multi-layered or multi-angled bristles.
According to a 2012 Research Review, these toothbrushes work better at removing plaque than regular flat bristle brushes. Look for a toothbrush that has a medical approval mark. This shows that toothbrushes are both safe and effective for removing plaque and reducing the risk of gingivitis.
You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the brush shows signs of excessive wear, such as frayed bristles.
Use fluoride toothpaste: The brand of the toothpaste is not as important as its ingredients. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste with a health authority mark, which means that the product meets the safety and effectiveness criteria set by the health authority. Floss at least once a day: Cleaning between your teeth at least once a day helps remove food that can get stuck under your gums and between your teeth. The easiest way to do this is by flossing. Flossers come in waxed and non-waxed varieties, but according to dentists, there is no difference in effectiveness between the two. Your dentist may also recommend other interdental cleaners such as:
Dental floss Threading floss Water flosser Small brush that touches your teeth Plaque remover Besides brushing , to keep your teeth healthy, do the following:
Use mouthwash after brushing to remove any remaining plaque, food, and bacteria. Drink a lot of water. Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary foods and drinks. Avoid frequent snacking. Schedule regular dental visits with X-rays and cleanings. Brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. Following the guidelines set forth by the American Dental Association for brushing technique, brush selection, toothpaste, and flossing can also contribute to good oral health.
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References: mayoclinic.org, healthline.com