How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth? 

Even if you see your dentist in Madison twice a year for exams and cleanings, it’s crucial that you also take excellent care of your teeth at home between visits. Following a good oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing can also help your oral health and overall health. So how often should you brush your teeth, and what happens if you don’t? 

Two Times a Day is What They Say

The American Dental Association and your dentist in Madison recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Brushing two times every day is essential for a few reasons. 

Think about all of the things you eat and drink throughout the day. Everything from your morning cup of coffee to your spaghetti dinner is exposed to your teeth. If you don’t brush away the food particles, bacteria, and plaque, your teeth are at increased risk for problems. Additionally, the longer food and bacteria linger around, for example, while you sleep, the more issues it can cause.   

What If You Skip Brushing? 

Even though you should do everything you can to brush your teeth twice a day, things happen, and there are times when you may miss a brushing. If this happens occasionally, it’s probably not that big of a deal. But if you skip brushings regularly, it can put your oral health at risk for: 

• Cavities
• Bad breath
• Gum disease

But that’s not all. There’s also a connection between oral health and overall health, and other parts of your body can become affected by poor dental hygiene. 

Oral Health & Whole-Body Health

Many studies have linked poor oral health with several whole-body health concerns, which makes brushing your teeth regularly even more important. Some of the conditions that have been tied to oral health are: Endocarditis

• Cardiovascular disease
• Pneumonia
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Kidney disease

If you haven’t been practicing a good oral health care routine at home or haven’t been to your dentist in Madison in the last six months, we encourage you to schedule an appointment today. 

The Right Way To Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth seems like a pretty simple thing to do, but there is a right way to make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning your teeth and not causing damage in the process. 

• Don’t scrub, use gentle circles
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to clean the gumline
• Brush each area of every tooth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces
• Proper brushing should take two minutes
• Don’t forget the floss

Preventive dentistry like brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist every six months is the best way to protect your oral and overall health from problems. These steps can also keep larger, more expensive dental issues from popping up. Don’t forget that your dentist is here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about how to best take care of your smile.  

About The Author

Dr. Ashley Lee

Dr. Ashley Lee is certified in oral sedation and is a designated qualified dentist for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She has pursued advanced training in the treatment of patients with significant dental issues, taking a special interest in the prevention of oral-systemic diseases. Dr. Lee is a member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Dental Association, Academy for General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.

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