Brushing Teeth: A Refresher Course

by Tony Lakeside

There is nothing more important to maintaining your oral health than brushing teeth and following up with a good floss. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you spend a full three minutes brushing twice a day.



Brushing has many benefits. Anaerobic bacteria, the ones that cause bad breath, build up in your mouth between brushings. Brushing twice a day cuts down the bacteria population, and this, in turn, lessens plaque and bad breath.

Brushing also removes trapped food particles which decay in your mouth and cause cavities. Proper brushing can help you avoid periodontal disease, and the future need for dentures.

Brushing your teeth twice a day, every day, could well save you thousands of dollars in future dental bills. With all this in mind, let's review the proper technique:

1. Start with the proper texture of brush. Most adults will use a soft to medium textured brush.
2. Select a fluoride toothpaste approved by the ADA.
3. Begin brushing in the back of your mouth and slowly work your way forward. Pay close attention to every area, inside and outside, top and bottom. Any place you miss brushing will have a head start making more plaque. Be sure to brush away from your gums.
4. Don't forget to brush your tongue. It’s a hot bed for bacterial growth.
5. Rinse thoroughly with water.
6. Follow up with a thorough flossing to remove bacteria between your teeth where simply brushing won't reach.

Avoid soda and Kool-Aid type products that are loaded with sugar, and drink plain water whenever possible. Water rinses food particles from between your teeth and is a good boost when brushing teeth isn't possible.

Brushing teeth everyday and seeing your dentist twice a year will help you keep your teeth the rest of your life.

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