Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice a Day

Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that dentists recommend brushing twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why this is so. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different?

Why you should brush twice a day

Brushing your teeth is a key part of oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque that contains bacteria. This bacteria eats away at teeth and gums, causing cavities and gum disease.

While brushing your teeth once a day is better than not brushing at all, it does not do enough to prevent plaque. Every time you eat, you introduce more bacteria into your mouth, and twice-daily brushing ensures you remove as much as possible without hurting your gums or enamel.

Prevents stains

Certain foods, such as coffee, can stain the enamel coating on teeth. Over time, these stains build-up, making your smile appear yellow or even brown. Regular teeth brushing can prevent staining by removing the offending food.

Fights tartar buildup

When plaque remains on your teeth for too long, it hardens and becomes tartar. In most cases, you need to see a dentist remove tarter, as regular brushes are not strong enough to do so.

Prevents bad breath

Have you ever wondered what causes bad breath? It is bacteria eating away at your teeth and the little bits of food stuck on them.

When you brush your teeth, you clear away that odor-causing bacteria. So, if you want to have fresh breath, it is better to brush your teeth regularly rather than chowing down on mints.

How to brush your teeth effectively

How you brush your teeth is just as important as how often you do it. For starters, you should use a soft-bristle brush to avoid hurting your gums. In most cases, soft-bristle brushes are stiff enough to remove plaque without causing damage. If you have stains you want to remove, you can use a hard-bristle brush occasionally, but you must take care not to apply too much pressure.

Brush for two minutes

Dentists recommend brushing for two minutes. Brushing harder does not shorten the time — instead, the time limit is to help you thoroughly address each tooth. Start with your molars and brush every side of each tooth, moving down the line until each one is clean.

Use circular motions

While brushing up and down may feel more natural, the best way to clean your teeth is to move the brush in small, circular motions. This approach is more effective, ensuring you get the most out of your two-minute routine.