Brushing Twice a Day – Is That Enough?
Brushing your teeth every day is the first step to good oral health. Staying on top of your oral health practice is very important, especially for busy New Yorkers like you. Brushing and cleaning your teeth every day can help you have a bright smile, fewer cavities, and better health in general.
Learn more about when and how often to brush your teeth, as well as how to do it right, by consulting a dental practice in Glen Oaks, NY.
How often should you brush?
At least twice a day, you should brush your teeth. But some people should brush their teeth more often. For instance, your dentist might tell you to brush your teeth after every meal if you have a history of gum disease or are trying to deal with another major dental problem.
The American Dental Association (ADA) says that you should use a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. The ADA says that you should brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily for at least two minutes each time, and you should make sure to brush every tooth.
Every day, you should not only brush your teeth but also clean in between them. You can clean between your teeth with dental floss or something else, like floss picks or a water flosser.
When you brush or floss your teeth, you get rid of plaque and food bits that get stuck under your gum line and between your teeth.
Bacteria can build up on your teeth or gum line if you do not do this step enough. This can make cavities and other dental problems more likely. Talk to the dentist about what kind of floss or method will work best for you.
How often should infants and children brush?
Babies and young kids should also start taking care of their teeth as soon as they can see a tooth peeking out from the gum line.
When you see a baby’s tooth start to come in, you should start brushing it with an infant toothbrush that has soft bristles. The ADA says that you can use a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride, about the size of a rice grain.
A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be put on a child’s toothbrush between the ages of 3 and 6. You can help them brush their teeth for two minutes every morning and night.
Kids often swallow toothpaste, so watch them brush their teeth until they can spit while they do it.
Visit your dentist.
Do you want more tips on how to brush your teeth properly? Schedule an appointment with your dentist today and learn how to have the best oral health.
