We all hear lots of information about good health care. But how many times a day should you brush your teeth? This guide to correct teeth brushing will help you keep better care of your teeth.

Too little brushing causes plaque to build up that leads to gum and mouth disease, and even, in some cases, heart conditions. Too much brushing can wear away enamel which protects your teeth.

Ideally, you should be brushing in the morning when you wake, and before bed. However, if you choose to brush in the morning and mid-afternoon, that’s also a good idea. You should brush for at least two minutes, on all sides of your mouth, including the back of the teeth on all sides, and the tongue.

If you are a big coffee drinker or eat a lot of acidic foods, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water in between brushing.

Should I Brush My Gums?

If your gums bleed frequently after brushing it may be a sign of gum disease. Brushing only removes about 60% of the plaque on your teeth. Flossing before you brush, rather than after, is an effective way to get rid of excess food particles or plaque between your teeth. It also means the whitening agents in your toothpaste can reach those hard to reach spots between your teeth.

If you find your gums bleed regularly, rinsing with antimicrobial rinses like Listerine, or herbal alternatives, will help cut down on existing gum disease. Otherwise, it is safe to just use water. Some of the bacteria in your mouth is there to help and rinsing with an antimicrobial when you don’t need it can actually harm your health.

How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy By Brushing Correctly

So now we know you should be brushing at least twice daily, and that it should take at least two minutes. But how can you be sure you’re using the right technique? This simple method will help make sure you’re getting every area you should in your mouth.

• Place the toothbrush over your teeth and wiggle it, to make sure the bristles find the natural grooves in your teeth and the spaces between them.
• If you start from the top row, as we recommend, brush downward, so that nothing is pressed toward your gums. No one has perfectly uniform teeth, so be sure to cover everything, so that all food particles and plaque are removed.
• As you go through your mouth, be sure to get the hard to reach teeth in back, and cover the backs of your teeth. If it’s difficult to reach, you might consider an electric toothbrush, with a rotating head, to vigorously brush all areas. Don’t forget the tongue!
• When the top row is done, do the same for the bottom row, brushing up.

Top Tips For Healthy Teeth

Having a healthy smile helps you look younger, and gives you confidence. It also lowers the risk of heart disease and overall health. Here are our tips on how to keep your brilliant smile, and get the most out of your brushing regime.

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
   Generally, it’s important to visit a dentist every six months for regular cleaning and checkups. If you have an existing periodontal disease, your dentist may want you to visit more often. This is also true if you have had cosmetic or emergency dental procedures in the past. Always be sure to check with your dentist for how often you should visit. And be sure to keep those appointments!
2. Be Mindful Of Your Diet
   Cut down on your sugary food and drink. All that acid from your daily coffee can stain or wear away your teeth. That’s compounded when you drink it with sugar or add in soft drinks. Even some fruits can be very acidic and will break down the enamel in your teeth, leaving them unprotected. Be sure to get the recommended daily calcium intake, to strengthen teeth and bones.
3. Remember The Two Minute Rule
   Brushing properly is very important. Two minutes before bed can help stop the build-up of bacteria in the mouth that is caused by the saliva slowing down as we sleep. Using a fluoride toothpaste can help protect your teeth long-term, and keep them at their whitest. Fluoride is safe for children ages 3 and up. Use a toothpaste with a dose of 1000 parts per million.
4. Remember interdental cleaning
   Cavities can still form in the space between your teeth. Flossing is important and should be done at least once a day when you brush. Using an electric toothbrush with an oscillating head has been shown to be up to twice as effective as a manual brush. It helps to get at hard to reach spots in your mouth and can be a big help in the tricky interdental spots, especially if you have some crowding. Look for the British Dental Health Foundation-accredited logo.
5. Wait at Least 40 Minutes After Eating
   This sounds counterproductive, but it takes an average of 40 minutes for the helpful bacteria in the mouth to neutralize any acids in the food you’ve eaten. Brushing before this can be done can risk the protective enamel in your teeth, and cause further damage. So always wait an hour after eating to brush your teeth.
6. Your Teeth Are For Eating
   You should not be using your teeth to remove bottle caps, open crisp packets, or anything other than food! Though the teeth are very strong, especially when you’re young, over time, you could wear and loosen them. You don’t want to reach your 30s or 40s and already be losing your smile!

If you do lose a tooth, don’t panic. Get to an emergency dentist, and try to keep the tooth in the socket as safely as you can, without touching the root. Sometimes, teeth can be put back safely.

If your hygiene treatments aren’t giving you the smile you’ve always wanted, there are plenty of over-the-counter whitening products available. Or, you can speak to your dentist about further cosmetic options to give you the perfect smile that will last years.

References:
https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/blogdetails/78
https://askthedentist.com/how-to-brush-your-teeth/
https://www.sharonalbrightdds.com/dental_facts/bleeding-gums/
https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Teethcleaningguide.aspx