How Often Do I Need To Brush My Teeth?

     It would be ideal to brush your teeth after eating.  Every time you eat, the bacteria in the plaque are eating, too, and this plaque attack lasts up to 20 minutes after eating.  If you brush after eating, you are removing plaque and the food they are feeding on, as well as the acid the plaque bacteria produce.

     Many people find it difficult to brush after meals throughout the day.  If you are one of those people, you can use a technique called “Swish and Swallow.”  Take water or a non sugar liquid and swish your mouth with it for a while to dislodge as many food particles as possible, and then swallow.

     Brushing your teeth at least twice daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss.  Toothpaste does provide a benefit if it has fluoride, or baking soda, or some other benefit, like helping with sensitivity.  The bristles without toothpaste actually do the best job in removing plaque at the gumline.  You can brush with a dry brush and then afterwards go over your teeth with the toothpaste of your choice.  Use a soft-bristle brush and replace your brush every two to three months.

     The most important brushing is at night before you go to sleep.  If you can only brush once daily, it’s best to do it before bedtime.

     For more information about other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com