Although modern-day society is sometimes a little too obsessed with dental health and hygiene, there are good reasons why you should try to maintain a good oral health.

Keeping it to a healthy level not only reduces your risk of developing dental caries, tooth decay, and other serious dental problems but you’ll also have greater self-confidence and you’ll look and feel better.

This is probably the reason the toothpaste industry promoted “three-times-a-day” brushing or brushing after every meal. The more you brush your teeth, the better.

However, dental experts say that there is no direct correlation between the frequency of brushing your teeth and dental health.

The key is not so much on the number but more on the efficiency. That said, brushing three times or even two times a day is not as significant as what you were made to think.

In fact, most experts say that even with just once-a-day brushing, it is already enough to keep bacteria and cavities at bay.

Yes, you read it right. Brushing your teeth once a day is enough to maintain good oral health if it is done correctly. So, the question now is not so much on how many times you should brush your teeth but more on how to brush your teeth correctly.

5 Tips on Brushing Your Teeth Correctly

1. Choose your Toothbrush Wisely

Not all toothbrushes are created equal. Most often than not, people neglect the way they choose their toothbrush.

The ideal toothbrush is one that has more rounded bristles so they are less harsh to your teeth. Generally, toothbrushes are made up of nylon bristles that have been cut equally. By looking through a microscope, you will see that these bristles have sharp saw-like edges ready to scrape away enamel and dentin from your teeth.

When this happens, your teeth will be highly vulnerable to tooth decay and damages caused by acid-producing bacteria.

That said, it is extremely important to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. It is also important to change your toothbrush often. Even if you are using a toothbrush with soft bristles, eventually as it gets worn out, it will return to its original sharp edges.

2.  Delay Brushing after Eating Acidic Foods

It is not always applicable that you brush your teeth every after meal. Even Colgate recommends brushing teeth an hour after eating. In cases where you have consumed food and drinks that have high acid content, you should delay brushing.

Acids weaken your teeth particularly the enamel. So, when you brush your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods, you may only do more harm than good. Instead, brush your teeth before eating these types of food to add protection.

3.  Use the Right Strokes when Brushing Your Teeth

To make sure that you thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth through brushing, practice the right strokes.

Use back and forth, short strokes to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t brush too hard. Use rhythmic moves and sweep through your teeth. Reach those areas in between your teeth using vertical strokes.

Small food particles get caught up in these areas so it is important you remove them while brushing. These small food particles become plaque that sticks to your teeth’s surface and triggers decay.

4.  Floss Daily

When brushing is not enough, floss at least once a day. This will let you remove food particles as well as plaque and bacteria in hard to reach areas in your teeth.

5.  Cut the ABC Song – Do Not Brush your Teeth Too Long

Ideally, you should brush your teeth for 45 seconds. Brushing too long may only do more harm than good. So, cut down your ABC song and just get on with brushing properly and get it done.

Remember, brushing your teeth lies on how you practice it and not so much on the frequency. But for those who really want to have a conclusive answer to the question, the American Dental Association suggests at least twice a day.

Keep these things in mind and you can be sure that you and your teeth are well protected against cavities and harmful bacteria. As they say, better teeth, better health.

If you have any questions about your dental hygiene or need a simple check-up, don’t hesitate to contact Family Dentistry of Harrisburg. We are accepting new patients and walk-ins are welcome!