Have you ever skipped a night of brushing your teeth? Lots of people do but the ramifications of that are not good. When you go to bed without brushing you become vulnerable to disease and infection.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristle brush. That means brush before bed. In addition to brushing twice a day, it is also important to brush your teeth correctly. The ADA recommends brushing at a 45-degree angle at the gum line to be most efficient. You want to make sure that you brush the outer surface, the inner surface, and the chewing surfaces too. Many people think that a hard brush will clean better but that is simply not true. The ADA states that a soft bristle toothbrush cleans very effectively and a hard brush can actually wear down the structure of your teeth.
It is important to point out that many people do not brush their teeth long enough. The recommended time for brushing your teeth is at least 2 minutes to ensure proper cleaning.
When determining the size of your toothbrush, remember that a toothbrush should allow you to easily reach all areas of your mouth. You also want to replace your toothbrush every three or four months. Frayed toothbrushes will not be effective in adequately cleaning your teeth. During cold and flu season you definitely do not want to use the same toothbrush you used while you were sick, so throw out the brush and start with a fresh brush once you recover.
Of course, brushing your teeth twice a day is only one part of a complete oral care program. Even with brushing, bacteria and food particles will still linger between the teeth, which is why it is critical to floss in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and regular visits with us. A cavity can begin after only skipping brushing once so don’t do it. No matter how tired you may be, know that going to bed without brushing your teeth puts you at risk.