A Practical Guide to Tooth Brushing
Brushing your teeth is a habit that many people have developed and maintained through their life. While it is a good habit to keep, it is also important that you know the best time to brush your teeth. Although this may vary a bit for some, there are certain times of the day that are better than others for this daily ritual.
Brush Teeth Before Breakfast
Most people like to brush their teeth first thing in the morning. The obvious reason is to get rid of that bad taste and bad breath. Of course, if you live alone or eat something right away, you might be able to get by without it – it will not matter. Otherwise, that special someone you greet with a kiss in the morning might prefer fresh breath.
The primary idea of brushing first thing in the morning is to remove all the bacteria and acid that has multiplied in your mouth while you slept. The bacteria produce acid when it comes in contact with sugar, and it is the acid that causes cavities.
Brushing Teeth Through the Day
It is not super important that you brush after every meal, but it is a good idea. The thing that you need to be careful of is that you do not brush your teeth right after a meal. The best time to brush teeth after eating is to wait about thirty minutes. This is because the acid and other foods soften the enamel on your teeth when you eat. Brushing too soon can remove some tiny bits of the enamel. This is a problem because the enamel does not regrow.
It is also a good idea to brush your teeth after eating sugary or acidic foods or drinks but wait about 30 minutes. The sugar will result in the bacteria producing more acid. It is worse when you eat sticky foods that are also sugary. Acidic drinks will also erode your teeth faster because it only adds to the damage to your teeth. Rinsing your mouth out with water after you eat can help solve this problem.
Every time you eat sugary foods and carbohydrates, the bacteria will continue to produce acid for the next 20 minutes. It is also true of sugary drinks. This means that every time you take a swig of a sugary drink such as soda or fruit juice, the bacteria will make acid for the next 20 minutes. This is why sipping on sugary drinks for long periods will really help to promote cavities.
The buildup of bacteria is also what causes bad breath. As the bacteria multiply, they also produce a sulfide gas, which is what you smell. Reducing the bacteria means sweeter breath. Eating a sugary mint to cover up bad breath will only mean more bacteria because of the sugar.
Proper Way to Brush Teeth
When brushing your teeth, it is important that you do more than just follow a ritual. Since most people do not brush their teeth correctly, which can lead to more cavities needlessly, learning the best way to brush teeth is important.
This method, which dentists use on their own teeth, is to divide the mouth into four quadrants. Then, carefully brush all the surfaces in one of the four quadrants for about 30 seconds. Then, move on to the next quadrant until all surfaces are finished. You should spend at least two minutes total each time you brush your teeth in order to do a good job.
Stay Hydrated Through the Day
Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated is important to the health of your teeth and gums. It helps you produce healthy amounts of saliva, which normally helps to remove the bacteria, acid, and some food particles from your teeth. Drinking water after eating will also remove acid from the various foods you eat and will help prevent your teeth from being stained.
Brush Your Teeth Before Going to Bed
In addition to brushing your teeth in the morning, it is also important to brush your teeth before hitting the hay. This will help to remove any food particles on your teeth, and flossing will remove particles between your teeth. It will also reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth (plaque), as well as acid. Not brushing teeth before going to bed means that more erosion than usual will take place while you sleep.
Mouthwashes Are Good, Too
Using a mouthwash that is anti-bacterial can also help protect your teeth. It will also help to keep your breath smelling sweeter longer. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol, and do not rinse your mouth after using it. This enables the mouthwash to have a longer effect.
Even if you have been following the best time to brush your teeth, you still can get cavities and other dental problems. Keeping regular dental appointments with ToothHQ Dental Clinic can help your teeth stay in top shape and last a long time.
