Like almost everything in life, there is how to do things and how not to. Let’s see how often and when exactly is the right time to do your daily oral cleansing.
How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing for two minutes, twice daily. A 2009 study also supports this 120-second brushing routine. They found out that most people brush for only about 45 seconds. They tested how the amount of time spent brushing contributed to the removal of plaque in 47 individuals. Their results showed that increasing the time spent brushing from 45 seconds to 2 minutes contributed to removing 26% more plaque.
Do You Really Need To Brush After Eating Every Time?
Your dentist may or may not recommend brushing after every meal – this largely depends on the state of your personal dental health. Generally, brushing twice a day is the ideal. If you are brushing twice daily, you will most likely do it at night before going to bed and one other time during the day.
What Kind Of Toothbrushes Do You Need To Be Using?
There are two main types of toothbrushes you can use – manual or electric. If you are going manual, it is best to use a medium or soft-bristled toothbrush. If the electric toothbrush is your thing, you should be using one with an oscillating or rotating head. Whether you decide to use a manual or an electric toothbrush is entirely up to you. Whichever of the two makes it easier for you to maintain your oral hygiene is what you should be using. There are Toothbrush Subscriptions that can make purchasing or replacing your toothbrush easier than ever before.
The Food You Eat Also Affects the Time
If you usually brush after every meal, try to wait at least an hour after eating before brushing. Waiting at least one hour is especially important if it is after an acidic meal or drink. Acidic foods and drinks normally weaken the enamel on your teeth when you consume them and brushing too soon afterward can remove the already weakened enamel.
When You Need To Change Your Toothbrush
If you are using a manual toothbrush, once the bristles begin to bend, fray or wear out – then it is time to change it. Even if the bristles don’t appear frayed or worn out, it is best to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. This is because your toothbrush would have become exposed to a large number of bacteria over that period of time.
Replacing your toothbrush every 90-120 days may seem like a lot of work, which is why you should seriously consider Toothbrush Subscription services. They can be very helpful especially if you have to go on a long trip simply because you need to get a new toothbrush. Even if you are using an electric toothbrush, you will still need to replace the head of your toothbrush every 90-120 days as well. You may also need to replace the batteries from time to time. Toothbrush subscription providers will deliver both head and/or batteries to you at the exact time they are needed. You could spend the time it would have taken you going on a trip to the drugstore doing something more productive or simply fun.
More Ways to Maintain a Healthy Oral Lifestyle
Asides the twice-daily teeth scrub you are already used to, there are other effective things you could add to brushing to improve your oral hygiene.
1. Flossing: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should floss your teeth once per day. Flossing should be done gently in a soft up-and-down motion between your teeth. Avoid snapping it against your gums as this could make your gums recede or create unwanted spaces between your teeth where food and other residues could get stuck.
2. Mouth Wash: Fluoride mouthwashes can help to prevent tooth decay and they should be used once a day. It is best if it is not used immediately after brushing as it can wash away the fluoride left on your teeth after brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. You can choose another time to use your mouthwash quite far from when you brushed your teeth. Also, avoid eating or drinking anything for like 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
3. Eating Selected Foods: Foods can lower or increase the pH levels of your mouth. Acidic foods lower the pH of your mouth and pose a threat to your teeth while alkaline foods raise the pH level to a healthier level for your teeth. Apples, carrots, cheese, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, herbal tea, and unsweetened fruit juice are good examples of teeth-friendly foods.
