How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth

Good dental hygiene starts with sticking to the daily brushing and flossing routine, which can help you maintain good oral health and a bright smile. But how often should you do it? Read on to learn this and other important information related to it.

The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends brushing the teeth twice a day, first in the morning and then in the evening, with the soft-bristled brush. It’s recommended to brush your teeth for at least two minutes and ensure you brush every tooth. Additionally, it’s important to clean between the teeth at least once a day. You can use a water flosser, floss picks, or dental floss. Flossing or cleaning between the teeth removes food particles and plaque that frequently get stuck between your teeth and under your gum line. Skipping this step too often can be risky since it allows bacteria to settle on the gum line or teeth, which increases your risk of certain dental conditions, including cavities.

Young children and infants need to practice good oral hygiene as well. After the infant’s tooth breaks through, start brushing it with the soft-bristled infant toothbrush. ADA recommends using a little amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of the grain of rice). Children three to six years old may also use fluoride toothpaste (the pea-size amount). You can help the child to brush the teeth twice a day (in the morning and in the night), for two minutes each time. Since little kids are susceptible to swallowing toothpaste, you should supervise the brushing sessions till they learn to spit while brushing.

1. Use A Proper Brushing Technique

Place the soft-bristled brush at the forty-five-degree angle alongside the gums and then move a brush back and forth while using short strokes. Don’t forget to use gentle pressure so you won’t scratch or hurt your gums. Make sure to brush every side, especially the chewing surfaces of each of your teeth. Finally, remove bacteria by brushing your tongue.

2. Use The Right Toothbrush

Using a manual or electric toothbrush is simply a personal choice. However, if you want to maximally reduce gingivitis and plaque, you should use an electric toothbrush instead of a standard brush. But ultimately, it still comes down to one’s dental hygiene habits as well as what they are comfortable using. The ADA suggests using a toothbrush with soft bristles since this type of brush can reduce the gum abrasion risk.

Moreover, you should choose a toothbrush with angled or multi-level bristles. This type of toothbrush is more effective in removing plaque than a conventional flat-trimmed bristle. Also, look for the toothbrush that has an ADA Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that a toothbrush is safe as well as effective for reducing the risk of gingivitis and removing plaque. You should replace the toothbrush every three to four months or even sooner if need be.

3. Use The Fluoride Toothpaste

You should keep in mind that a brand of toothpaste isn’t as highly important as the ingredients it contains. Use the fluoride toothpaste that has an ADA Seal of Acceptance to make sure you are using an effective and safe product.

4. Floss Daily

Cleaning between the teeth at least once a day can help you get rid of food particles that often get stuck between the teeth and under the gums. The easiest way to do this is to use dental floss. You need to floss at least once a day to maintain your oral hygiene. While floss comes in unwaxed and waxed varieties, there is not any difference in their effectiveness. Your dentist may recommend other interdental cleaners as well, such as:

• Pre-threaded flossers
• Tiny brushes that can reach between the teeth
• Floss picks Powered water flosser
• Wooden plaque removers

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time helps reduce the risk of gum disease, cavities, as well as other oral health conditions. Following the ADA guidelines for brushing technique, toothpaste, flossing, and brush selection can contribute to your good dental health as well. So make sure to follow these guidelines to maintain good oral health.