You’ve heard this phrase everywhere and from almost everyone: “Brush your teeth after eating.” It’s been so common that you pass it on to your children. It’s now something that you’ve gotten used to and has become a habit.
When did this phrase start? And what is the reasoning for this? Most importantly, what is the real answer to the question: “When and how often should you brush your teeth?”
All dental professionals agree that the minimum brushing requirement for optimal dental hygiene is twice a day. But there is actually more that you should be considering other than that.
If you are on a balanced diet with proper distribution of all the different types of nutrients, then by all means, you can make do with brushing after every meal. However, if your diet is different, no matter how slightly or heavily, then there are some changes.
Your oral health affects a lot of aspects in your body. How you take care of your teeth and gums goes a long way. What you eat begins from your mouth, so if your oral health is compromised, then your digestive system is compromised as well. And if you don’t already know, an unhealthy digestive system affects your overall health.
Food is one of basic necessities of every human being. As you chew, your teeth and the saliva in your mouth work together to help break down food before you swallow. As this process repeats itself over and over, small food particles can get stuck in between your teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth are the only things that can remove these particles.
If you don’t make time to consider your oral health, the food particles in your mouth turn into bacteria. These will multiply over time, and you might end up having cavities, tartar, and plaque. Worst case scenario: if you don’t take care of it immediately, it can turn into mouth infections, and even tooth loss.
If the answer is yes, then keep reading and avoid brushing your teeth right away. Consuming any food that is acidic causes a chemical reaction in your mouth that weakens the tooth enamel, which is the topmost layer of your teeth.
It’s best to wait for 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth. You can also drink water to rinse your mouth if you want a quick remedy. As you already know, acidic foods are the following: coffee, tea, sodas, and other sweetened beverages. However, there are other foods which have high acidity that you probably are not aware of, such as: fish, processed foods, meats, and foods that are high in protein.
This answer depends on your diet. If you consume a lot of starchy foods and foods with high levels of sugar, it’s more likely that you should be brushing your teeth three times a day, preferably at least two minutes every time you brush.
If you’re having a well-balanced diet, you should be okay with brushing twice a day. Although it doesn’t hurt to brush an additional time. Use a toothpaste rich in fluoride which is an active ingredient that protects your teeth from cavities.
It doesn’t hurt to take extra good care of your teeth and gums. They belong to your body, and they deserve as much pampering as you can give them. The same way you take yourself to salons and manicures; if you take care of your body, not only will you look good, but you will feel good as well.
Even with the best brushing habits, there are some stubborn food particles that stay wedged in between your teeth, which can be very difficult to remove. Flossing your teeth at least once every day can make sure that your teeth and gums are free from those food particles.
You can choose any type of floss that you want, preferably made from a material that’s soft but tough enough to prevent breakage. There is also another type of floss that also helps you whiten your teeth. Charcoal floss is made from bamboo fiber and infused with charcoal, which acts as a natural abrasive to remove buildup in between the teeth. Charcoal is also a natural ingredient that enhances teeth whitening.
Another oral health care essential that can do wonders for your mouth is mouthwash. Rinsing with water is good enough. Mouthwash has additional ingredients that also help in removing bacteria causing plaque and other oral problems.
No matter how much you invest in oral care habits, if you consume food and beverages that deteriorate your teeth and gums over time, then these habits just go to waste. Keep your mouth cavity-free by lessening your excess sugar intake. Skip that slice of cake for a smoothie. Ditch that ice-cold soda for a glass of water. Your body will thank you.
There is no one other than your dentist who can provide you the best dental care tips. It’s recommended to have a dental check up every six months, or more if you need special care. Only your dentist can provide you with the best ways to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Brushing your teeth only covers the surface—we mean that literally and figuratively. Your diet, the things you use to maintain your oral hygiene, and professional help can all work together to keep your pearly whites lasting long.
And speaking of whites, if you’re looking for a less invasive way to whiten your teeth, you might want to check out our all-in-one UV-powered teeth whitening kit. For more tips regarding teeth whitening and oral health in general, feel free to check out our blog by clicking on this link.
