The Benefits of Proper Teeth Brushing

Taking care of your teeth can help you maintain a natural-looking, beautiful smile for many years into the future. Our dental team is committed to providing you with the right services and the best solutions for your dental care needs. We serve the entire family with practical and convenient dental care. If you are looking for the best dental care in South Bend, we are here to serve you.

One of the ways in which our team of dentists can assist you and your family is by providing you with practical guidance for taking care of your teeth at home. We can recommend the best techniques for brushing, flossing and caring for your teeth to ensure a lifetime of brighter smiles. These basic tasks are essential to keep your teeth looking great year after year.

Why Proper Brushing Is Essential to Healthy Teeth and Gums

Brushing your teeth the right way can provide you with some real benefits, including the following:

• Fresher breath
• Whiter and more attractive teeth
• Reduced risk of cavities and tooth decay
• A lower chance of developing gum disease
• An overall improvement in your general state of health

Proper brushing and flossing can remove most of the food debris and plaque on your teeth to provide added protection for your dental health.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a clear or whitish substance that is formed when bacteria attack and break down food particles in your mouth. These bacteria are present all the time and spring into action when sugary or starchy substances are left on your teeth. Because plaque is acidic, it can cause serious damage to the outer layer of your teeth. This hard enamel can break down if plaque is left on it too long. This can result in tooth decay and cavities. Plaque can also cause other problems for your teeth and gums.

What Are the Dangers of Plaque to Your Teeth and Gums?

The most serious issue associated with plaque is probably gum disease. Also called periodontal disease, it occurs when plaque causes irritation in the sensitive tissue of the gums. In the earliest stages of the disease, gum disease is called gingivitis and causes swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums. As periodontal disease progresses, it causes pockets of infected pus to form around the roots of the teeth. Gum disease can cause bone loss in the roots of your teeth and jaw, as well as loosening of the tissues that hold teeth in place. Over time, this can result in the loss of teeth.

If left on your teeth, plaque will gradually harden to form a substance known as calculus or tartar. Calculus cannot usually be removed through brushing. Regular teeth cleaning appointments are necessary to remove calculus once it has formed on your teeth.

Brushing Habits for Healthy Teeth

Following American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines for brushing your teeth properly will help you to remove almost all of the plaque on your teeth and bacteria in your mouth. These helpful guidelines can provide a framework for your brushing and dental hygiene activities:

• Brush for at least two minutes. The ADA recommends that you spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth each session. One way to manage this is to set a timer in the bathroom and to brush every part of your teeth until the timer goes off. This can be especially helpful for children and can make brushing their teeth much more enjoyable.
• Brush your teeth at least twice per day. Ideally, you should brush after every meal and snack. If your schedule does not allow for that, brushing twice a day is usually adequate to prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth.
• Use a circular motion. Brushing your teeth in an up-and-down motion can sometimes cause injury to your gums and can wear down the enamel of your teeth. Brushing your teeth in gentle circles often is regarded as a safer method by the ADA.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly. Most dental experts, including the ADA, recommend that you replace your toothbrush at least every three months and more frequently if it appears worn or dirty. Consider replacing your toothbrush after an illness or cold as well.
• Choose the right toothpaste. Your toothpaste should be ADA-approved and should contain fluoride to protect your teeth most effectively.
• Upgrade to an electric toothbrush. This will clean your teeth more completely and efficiently than a comparable manual toothbrush.
• Floss every day. It does not matter if you brush first or floss first. However, combining flossing with your brushing regimen will help you to keep your teeth healthier and cleaner.
• Soft bristles are best. Firm-rated toothbrushes should only be used with a dentist’s recommendation. Softer bristles can clean your teeth effectively without risking damage to the enamel of your teeth or the soft tissue of your gums.
• Rinse your mouth and your toothbrush. Rinsing off your toothbrush and rinsing out your mouth after every time you brush will help you to keep your toothbrush clean and functional and will remove the last traces of food particles from your teeth and gums.
• Schedule regular dental appointments. Our dental team will be happy to work with you to establish an appropriate dental hygiene regimen. We can provide you with the right support and dental care procedures to help you enjoy the brightest smiles now and in the future.

Brushing and Flossing Your Way to Healthier, Brighter Teeth and Gums

Regular brushing and flossing can help you to prevent bad breath and can keep your teeth stronger and healthier for your entire life. If you are looking for reliable dental services in South Bend, our office is conveniently located and offers appointments that suit your schedule. We serve patients of all ages, promoting healthy teeth and gums across ages and situations. We like being the cause of bright smiles for entire families or individuals. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment with us. We believe you will be glad you did.