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The simple fact is that nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontitis according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Periodontitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the gum tissue. In the later stages, it causes deterioration of the jaw and teeth. It all begins with poor oral hygiene such as improper or infrequent brushing. This terrible disease can leave you toothless and force you to wear dentures. Let’s consider the proper brushing techniques and habits that we recommend here at The Toothbar, Austin Dental Center, below.
It is important to choose a soft toothbrush that won’t damage the enamel on your teeth. Brushes that fit well in your mouth with staggered bristles are the best. The bristles should be pliable and rounded at the ends to smoothly polish teeth clean. Toothbrushes that have an angled arch are also effective at cleaning deeper recessed of the oral cavity.
Although some people brush their teeth with plain table salt, baking soda, or coconut oil, it is always better to get a high-quality toothpaste that is formulated for brushing. You can imagine how much engineering goes into these formulas to provide the optimal brushing experience. It is important to get a foaming toothpaste that really lifts away bacteria and neutralizes the acids. Fluoride toothpaste brands are the best because the fluoride will help strengthen your teeth. Babies and children should have special toothpaste that is recommended for their age range.
Brushing twice a day, morning and before bedtime, is the perfect regimen for most people. Unless you have a lot of extensive dental work that puts you at higher risk of cavities, you should not overdo brushing. You may wear down the enamel and cause more harm than good by being too clean. The biofilm soup of bacteria and minerals that harden into a plaque on your teeth needs only to be removed every 24 hours. However, brushing twice a day will ensure that you do a more thorough job and have fresh breath.
You should wait at least an hour before brushing if you have consumed anything that may soften your enamel. This includes acidic juices, fruits, or candy. Even bottled water is relatively acidic. This is why you should consume alkaline water that is pH-balanced for optimal health. You should also brush your teeth gently in small circles to get the best scrubbing motion and technique. Be sure to brush your tongue and cheeks as well.
Despite doing your very best to keep up oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash, you may still develop cavities. For some patients, it is a genetic predisposition. Other patients may suffer from dry-mouth that makes it easier for the bacteria to build up colonies
Co-founder and owner Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on cosmetic dentistry. She is also a member of the Seattle Study Club, one of the most advanced education groups for dental professionals.
This content was fact-checked by Dr. Kimberley Barclay and Dr. Lauren Jacobsen following editorial guidelines. Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Lauren Jacobsen is an active member of the dental community and engages in further education and training through membership with a local chapter of the Seattle Study Club and Spear Education courses.
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