Maintaining good oral health is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. A proper oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups, is necessary to help keep your mouth clean and free of plaque and bacteria.
Brushing your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene, but how often should you be doing it? According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), it’s recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene
Brush Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the minimum recommendation for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Brush for at Least 2 Minutes
The CDA recommends brushing for at least 2 minutes each time to ensure that all surfaces of your teeth are cleaned properly. This includes the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Soft-bristled brushes are recommended because they are gentle on your teeth and gums, yet still effective at removing plaque and bacteria. Hard-bristled brushes can be too abrasive and can damage your tooth enamel and gums.
Floss at Least Once a Day
Flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene because it removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, which can’t be reached by brushing alone. The CDA recommends flossing at least once a day to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. You should be visiting your dentist at least once every 6 months, or more often if you have a history of dental problems or if your dentist advises it.
During these visits, your dentist will check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease and will clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar.
More Tips to Keep Your Teeth Clean
The Best Time to Brush
The timing of meals can impact how often you need to brush your teeth. It’s best to brush your teeth after meals, especially after consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks, as these can lead to tooth decay if left on the teeth for too long.
Brushing before bed is also important because it helps to remove plaque and bacteria that have accumulated throughout the day.
The bacteria that live in the mouth feed on sugars and starches left on teeth, and they produce acid that can break down tooth enamel. Brushing before bed removes this food source, so the bacteria can’t produce as much acid.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene. They use a rotating or oscillating brush head that helps to remove plaque and bacteria more effectively than manual toothbrushes.
They also have a built-in timer that reminds you to brush for the full 2 minutes, which can be especially helpful for people who have difficulty brushing or for those who need a reminder.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene. It can help to kill bacteria and freshen your breath, and it can also help to reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay.
There are different types of mouthwash available, such as those that contain fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel, and those that contain antiseptic agents to help kill bacteria. Your dentist can recommend the right type of mouthwash for you.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Using fluoride toothpaste can help to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water, and it helps to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
Using toothpaste that contains fluoride can help to protect the teeth and make them stronger.
Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing your teeth correctly is just as important as brushing them often. Brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums, using circular motions, and brushing all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces, can help to remove plaque and bacteria effectively.
No Smoking
Certain habits, such as smoking and using chewing tobacco, can have a negative impact on oral health. Smoking can cause tooth staining, bad breath, and an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Dental Checkups
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing dental problems. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and having regular dental checkups are important steps in the process.
If you’re due for a dental checkup, book an appointment with One Family Dental. We’d love to discuss other healthy dental habits and answer any questions you have about your teeth!