Why should you brush your teeth twice a day

Maintaining great oral hygiene requires regular brushing and flossing. To ensure your dental routine is up to scratch, you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day.

The good news is, most Kiwis are already doing this. A 2017 survey released by Toothcrush (formerly Freshbrush), revealed that of 1,000 New Zealanders surveyed, 77 per cent brushed their teeth twice daily. However, that still leaves a quarter of Kiwis who aren't keeping up with their oral health.

Let's talk about why it's important to brush twice daily, when you should brush and for how long.

Why do you need to brush twice a day?

By brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you're doing your part to remove plaque before it can lead to decay.

To understand why it's important to brush so often, you need to know what happens when you aren't brushing your teeth.

While our teeth are left undisturbed, especially following meals, a microfilm is building up on their surfaces, called plaque. You can't usually see plaque, but you'll often notice it if you gently run your fingernail up a tooth. It's a thin, colourless substance that may look harmless, but harbours potentially thousands of different bacteria. These bacteria then react with sugars in the food you eat, converting them to acids which contribute to tooth decay.

When left for a long time, plaque can also harden into tartar. This is generally more noticeable, as solid deposits of pale yellow or brown material between the teeth or along the gum line. Tartar can agitate and inflame your gums, leading to gum disease like gingivitis. In general, plaque and its bacteria can also lead to bad breath, which will likely become persistent if gum disease develops.

Plaque can harden into tartar within 24 to 72 hours, and the bacteria can produce damaging acids much more quickly. Tartar must be removed with the help of a dentist.

By brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you're doing your part to remove plaque before it hardens and slow the production of substances that can lead to decay.

When should you brush your teeth?

You should aim to brush in the morning and before bed.

Brushing fits nicely into your morning hygiene routine and gives your mouth a clean start and fresh breath for the day. It also removes any plaque that has naturally built up overnight. Even while you're sleeping, plaque can proliferate so it's important to remove it before eating.

At night time, you should brush your teeth to remove any plaque that's developed, as well as food that may remain on or between your teeth from your meals throughout the day.

Should you brush more often?

Because acids are produced in reaction to sugars and starch in remaining food particles, some may recommend brushing before or after every meal.

There may be some benefit to brushing this often, as you'll wash away both plaque and the particles it wants to feed on. However, you should be careful not to brush too soon after consuming particularly acidic foods. Acids naturally weaken the enamel of your teeth, and brushing immediately after exposing your teeth to acids may do more harm than good. Instead, wait at least 30 minutes and up to an hour before brushing.

Drink plenty of water after eating acidic foods to wash away excess acids.

Dentists recommend you brush for at least two minutes every time.

How long do you need to brush for?

Dentists recommend you brush for at least two minutes every time.

A 2012 literature review of 59 papers, published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, found that people who brushed for only one minute removed 27 per cent of the plaque on their teeth. Meanwhile, two minutes of brushing removed, on average, 41 per cent of plaque.

It can feel like a long time to brush your teeth, but that extra minute can make all the difference in maintaining your oral wellbeing.

The correct way to brush

In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time, you should:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush in gentle circular motions, and along the gum line.
• Avoid overbrushing.
• Floss at least twice a day, or after every meal.

To talk to a professional about your oral health, book an appointment online or called City Dentists on 04 978 4964 today.

• Posted on March 28, 2020
• In News

Tooth brushing is widely regarded as the most important thing you can do for dental health. Still, many people simply don’t like to brush. They might feel like it is an inconvenient chore, or even find that tooth brushing is physically uncomfortable.

Many people wonder: How much brushing is enough?

How Many Times A Day Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Most dentists believe you should brush your teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. This is important because during the night, the formation of plaque is mostly undisturbed. Brushing after each meal is also endorsed by many dentists.

Brushing within 30 minutes of eating can slow down the bacterial colonization of the teeth. Bacteria feast on food particles, particularly sugar, releasing by-products that cause tooth decay.

Brushing Teeth Once A Day: Is It Enough?

Twice daily brushing is best for most people – but once a day is better than nothing! If you decide to brush once a day, consider timing it just before bed or just after waking.

Also think about other dental care activities you can do. For example, recent research shows antiseptic mouth wash can help reduce plaque.

What else can you do to fight pesky plaque? Sugar-free gum promotes saliva production, and saliva is a powerful natural deterrent for all kinds of bacteria. Saliva carries with it the minerals teeth need to rebuild and stay strong, too.

Some gums even have special additives that may support long-term dental health.

Your Dentist Is Your Biggest Ally For Healthy Teeth And Gums

In the end, only you can decide how and when to brush.

If you decide to brush less than twice a day, it’s even more important to be sure you see a dentist you trust on a regular basis. We recommend everyone sees a dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can spot the early signs of tooth and gum issues. Plus, a periodic dental cleaning is vital!

A Dentist You Can Rely On–Anywhere

Dental Health Associates of Madison have several clinic locations to make dental healthcare that much easier for you and your family. Our family dentistry in Middleton, Fitchburg, and other Dane County locations is right for you.

Dental Health Associates

At Dental Health Associates of Madison we are here to support you and your overall health and we create a personalized treatment plan for each and every patient. All of our dentists and staff will always be open and honest with you about your dental health, with a focus on preventative treatments and patient education.