Proper and regular tooth brushing is crucial to good dental hygiene, but how often must you brush your teeth?
Brush Your Teeth
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is recommended to brush twice a day (morning and evening).
Dentist Anne Celmons, DMD also explains that one may brush more than two times a day, but adds that this should be done gently. Brushing after having sticky foods, soda, or sugary foods may also be good.
The twice-a-day guideline also has some exceptions, such as cases where a person wears braces, partial dentures, or clear teeth aligners. In such cases, the dental provider may recommend brushing after eating.
The ADA also suggests that, in order to achieve optimum oral health, one must brush teeth for at least two minutes. It is also advised to ensure that each tooth is brushed and that toothbrushes with soft bristles are used.
On top of brushing, it is also important to clean between the teeth once daily. Dental flosses or other interdental cleaners, such as a water flosser or floss picks, could be used. Cleaning between the teeth helps to remove food particles and plaque that typically get stuck between teeth and under the gum line. If this is skipped often, bacteria could end up settling in the gum line or teeth and advertently increase risk of cavities and other dental issues.
What Happens If You Don't
Skipping tooth brushing before bed occasionally may not lead to chronic issues. However, if one regularly skips morning or evening brushing, risks for dental complications and conditions could go up.
The most common issue that comes from insufficient brushing is cavities and plaque buildup. When a person does not regularly brush their teeth, bacteria and food could build up on the teeth, leading to plaque.
The bacteria within plaque could be detrimental to the teeth. As time passes, cavities could also end up forming.
If plaque persists, the person becomes at risk of getting gingivitis, an early gum condition. This disease leads to gum inflammation, making them more likely to bleed and be painful.
If the condition worsens, periodontitis could result. This condition makes the gum pull away from the teeth and could lead to bone loss and loose tooth falling.
How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Health
Oral hygiene can affect one's overall health. In fact, a large 2019 study discovered that having good dental hygiene could reduce one's risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion also notes that among pregnant women, poor oral health is linked to low birth weights and premature births.
Getting routine cleanings and checkups every six months could help boost overall dental hygiene and reduce one's risk of developing certain conditions.
Proper Tooth Brushing
Brushing one's teeth properly is equally important as brushing frequency.
Some tips for proper tooth brushing include using the right technique (at a 45-degree angle and using short strokes to move the brush back and forth), using the right toothbrush type (soft and angled bristles), using fluoride toothpaste, and flossing at least once a day.
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