Why brushing your teeth is important?
Proper toothbrushing is one of the main pillars of good oral hygiene. When it is done in combination with flossing and regular trips to the dentist every six (6) months, you can achieve good oral health. However, the question is often asked, how often do we need to brush our teeth?
According to the American Dental Association, tooth brushing is recommended at least twice daily- in the morning and at night before going to bed. Toothbrushing is important because it removes food that gets stuck in your teeth and potential plaque development.
Prevents the formation of plaque
Plaque is a colorless or pale-yellow biofilm that forms in your mouth and is adherent to teeth. The combination of saliva, fluids, and food produces plaque that can be found on any tooth surface.
The bacteria within plaque act on the sugars within foods to produce acids that attack the enamel of your teeth and cause cavities. If the plaque is left undisturbed for a long time, the bacteria can produce more acid. As a consequence increasing the likelihood of developing cavities.
Mechanically removing the plaque by toothbrushing reduces the chance of this happening. Since plaque begins to form on teeth four to twelve (4-12) hours after brushing, it must be removed as often as possible or at least twice per day.
When plaque is left undisturbed on the surfaces of teeth for extended periods of time it will harden and form tartar or calculus. Tartar is very tenacious, and it can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. The accumulation of tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, making them tender and painful when touched or brushed, and it can also lead to Periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease affects the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth, and it can cause your teeth to become loose. It has also been found to be linked with other health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Reduces bad breath
Brushing your teeth twice daily will help to prevents bad breath. Anaerobic bacteria that are found on the tongue release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) regularly and produce a stale smell. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing your tongue. When this is done, it removes these microbes, and you are left with minty fresh breath.
Whitens your teeth
Brushing your teeth can also help them to look whiter (and who does not want that?). Pigments in our food and drinks can be absorbed into the pores of your tooth and they can accumulate over time. This can cause teeth to appear discolored over time.
Brushing twice daily can prevent these pigments from becoming fully absorbed by the teeth. This is especially true for a whitening toothpaste that contains ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide (whose oxygenating power bleaches the stains) and baking soda (which is mildly abrasive so it will polish your teeth and give them an extra boost).