Brushing and flossing each day is one of the easiest ways of maintaining oral health and wellness. However, it is important that you consider brushing more than once a day for the best results. This may include both morning and night. Ultimately, brushing your teeth should occur after every meal, but the team at Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry understands that this isn’t always possible in our hectic lifestyles. So what would happen if you only brushed your teeth once a day?
The purpose of brushing the teeth and gums
It is essential that you properly brush your teeth at least twice a day. Bacteria develop quickly in the mouth after eating foods that include carbohydrates and sugars. Saliva production is critical as this can help in washing away food particles and bacteria, but it might also cause a film to develop on the natural tooth enamel, known as plaque. Plaque is removed with brushing, allowing patients to maintain clean teeth. Without brushing, this plaque can harden into tartar or calculus, which can only be treated with the help of a dental professional. This is why you need to brush at least in the morning and at night to protect the teeth from long-term damage.
Risks of poor oral health habits
Brushing and flossing are critical to ensuring a healthy smile. If you do not brush your teeth at least twice a day, you are putting your teeth and gums at risk of a host of possible problems. This includes:
- The formation of cavities or tooth decay
- Advanced tooth decay that requires root canal therapy to address
- Damage that can result in the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Gingivitis and periodontal disease (infection)
- Chronic halitosis (bad breath)
Brushing and flossing several times a day is your best defense against dental problems
If you are interested in learning more about ways to care for your smile and reduce the risk of issues such as periodontal disease and tooth decay, speak to the team at Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry to discuss your oral healthcare needs. Call 480-834-6991 to request an appointment with our providers, including Drs. Scott LeSueur, Glenn LeSueur, and Charles Dodaro. We are located in Mesa, AZ, and are committed to providing you with the best possible care!