Once a day is not enough!
So, I read an article last night that stated you could probably get away with brushing your teeth once a day!
This was me after reading that article
WHAT????
The article quoted a professor from Tufts School of Dental Medicine who stated there was no scientific research that related the # of times to brush to anything.
Everyone is entitled to their option, as a dental hygienist for over thirty years, what I see on a daily basis, I beg to differ.
Tooth decay is still the most common chronic childhood disease!
Tooth decay according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is five times more common than asthma, four times more common than early obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes.
Unfortunately, more children are getting cavities at very young ages even with all of the information that is available at our fingertips.
42% of children ages 2-11 have had cavities in baby teeth.
25% of children ages 6-11 have had cavities in permanent teeth.
The center for disease control (CDC) showed that 56% of children have not seen a dentist in over a year.
One out of every two Americans has gingivitis!
Brushing your teeth twice a day is not just about preventing cavities.
Plaque and bacteria in your mouth are link to a number of systemic diseases diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, low birth weight, rheumatoid arthritis to name a few.
Brushing your teeth well is just as important as eating and breathing to your overall heath.
Two minutes twice a day can save your life and help prevent many serious diseases.
If we only brush once a day we are inviting the bacteria to wreak havoc in our mouths.
For some people the plaque can turn to calculus in less than 24 hours, making it almost impossible to brush off.
How you brush is just as important as how many times you brush.
Brushing at a 45-degree angle disrupts the plaque and bacteria that cause cavities, gingivitis and gum disease.
Make sure you have an established systematic routine to make sure you are not missing any tooth surface.
One toothbrush does not fit all, you will need to decide what brush is right for you, Manual, electric, bamboo, size and softness of the bristles?
Brushing in a circular motion inside, outside and the tops.
Start on the outside of the top teeth for thirty seconds, then the inside. Move to the bottom first the outside for 30 seconds then the inside.
Spend a whole two minutes brushing the teeth and the gums.
Floss or waterpik to get what the toothbrush may have missed between the teeth.
Use a mouth rinse to help kill bacteria and antiseptic or an anti-cavity with fluoride, depending on the type of bacteria you have.
Make a conscious decision to brush morning and night, make it a simple routine you can stick with.
Is once a day is not enough? Not in my opinion!
Only brushing once a day will allow the plaque and bacteria to accumulate on your teeth, harden into calculus and the acid to weaken the enamel.
Brushing twice a day with confidence and conviction will help you battle the enemy that is constantly building up on your teeth in your mouth.
Taking the time to brush, floss, waterpik and visiting your Dentist regularly will inspire you to smile more and live a happy healthy life.
My goal is to educate people to the importance of brushing their teeth.
People are dying from the bacteria in their mouths.
Establishing a good oral hygiene routine will not only prevent bleeding, gingivitis, bad breath and tooth decay…..it could save your life!
