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Every one of us knows the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. It is essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss your teeth once a day to maintain the appearance of the teeth and keep up the health of the teeth and gums. 

Importance of brushing 

Individuals over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from tooth decay and cavities. Gum disease and tooth decay are caused due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque on teeth. Following proper dental hygiene practices that include brushing and flossing is the best way to remove the plaque and prevent cavities and gum disease. 

Here are a few more reasons why you should make brushing a regular habit.

• Helps maintain a fresh breath:Lack of proper brushing can lead to the build-up of bacteria and plaque in the mouth that may lead to a foul smell in the mouth. Ensure that you brush twice a day to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and plaque and maintain a fresh breath. Brushing of the tongue ensures that the build-up of bacteria on the tongue is kept to a minimum. 
• Prevents gum disease: Improper or irregular brushing habits can increase the risk of plaque build-up on the teeth. Plaque accumulation can lead to the inflammation and bleeding of gums, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, ultimately leading to severe bone and tooth loss.
• Removes teeth discoloration and stains:Various factors, including the food that we eat, lifestyle habits, etc., can cause staining and discoloration of teeth. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that help remove surface stains from the teeth.
• Eliminates bacteria:The bacteria formed in the mouth due to a lack of proper oral hygiene, when flushed down the throat and into the stomach, can cause several health problems, including cholesterol build-up, increased risk of developing dementia, etc. If you are pregnant, the bacteria present in the bloodstream can be absorbed by the baby. The primary and easiest method to eliminate bacteria inside the mouth is by brushing the teeth and tongue.

Now that we have understood the importance of proper brushing, here are a few tips to take care of while brushing:

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, which has its shape and size easily fitting into your mouth. 
• Brush your teeth a minimum of two times daily, for two minutes each time.
• Replace your toothbrush if its bristles are frayed or every 3-4 months or after you recover from an illness.
• Use an ADA-accepted toothpaste to ensure the right amount of fluoride is present in your toothpaste.

As we all know, "Prevention is always better than cure." Treating a dental problem is a lot more expensive and tiresome than preventing it with proper oral hygiene habits. 

Our expert dental team at Paradise Family Dental can provide you with even more information about proper brushing habits to keep your teeth in top condition. For more details, give us a call at (509) 581-0626.