Every single dental stresses the importance of brushing and flossing daily – but have you ever wondered why it is essential to do so? What happens if you don’t clean your teeth regularly?
We consume at least three meals each day, excluding all the snacking in between. Some of this food, especially things that have a high sugar or carbohydrate content, create a layer on the uneven surfaces of the teeth and leave behind a trail of debris. This food debris attracts the bacteria that are already present in the mouth as part of the natural flora. If the mouth is not cleaned and the food is allowed to remain adhered to the surfaces of the teeth for a long period of time, bacteria feed upon it thus decreasing the pH of the mouth and making the environment favorable for the initiation of tooth decay. What may start as a small white spot on the tooth can later develop into a large cavity which may not always be restorable.
Brushing before going to bed each night keeps the bacteria at bay by clearing away any food debris left from all the meals consumed during the day. Brushing after each meal effectively cleanses the mouth and prevents bacterial attacks keeping the teeth as well as the gums healthy. According to the team at Buckingham Dental, it does not matter what tooth paste you use, what matters more is your brushing technique. Make sure your brush reaches every exposed surface of every single tooth, especially the molars. Your toothbrush should not be too big or too small, the bristles must not be so hard that they damage your gums and cause abrasion of the teeth. The handle of the tooth brush should be long, so that you can easily guide the movements, cleaning every part of your mouth properly. Remember, brushing before bed time is the best thing you can do to fight caries and prevent tooth decay!
Flossing is most important, and unfortunately the most neglected part of all oral hygiene routines. At times, especially in cases of dental crowding, food gets packed between teeth in areas which are inaccessible to the bristles of a tooth brush. If these food particles are allowed to remain lodged in these areas, bacteria can attack and damage the tooth creating a cavity over time. Contrary to the popular misconception, the use of a dental floss does not inflict any damage to the gums – however, failure to floss regularly can lead to the development of a number of dental and gingival infections.
They say prevention is better than cure, therefore brushing and flossing can save you all those dreaded visits to the dentist! Maintain good oral hygiene to effectively combat bacterial attacks daily.