Most of us learned to brush our teeth when we were young children. Not surprisingly, even 20, 30, 40 years later, we brush our teeth pretty much the same way… which for many of us is probably not the “correct” way. This is one reason the American Dental Association and most dentists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Our Scottsdale dentist suggests brushing when we wake up and just before going to bed to give our mouth and teeth the best chance to stay healthy and keep us smiling.

What’s Going On In Your Mouth 24/7

Your body is a complex engineering feat! Here’s just some of what happens in your mouth when you eat:

• Food collects on and between your teeth and bacteria feed on the food, which makes acids that eat away at your teeth and gums.
• Meanwhile, saliva works to protect our teeth by gradually clearing out the bacteria and acid and repairing the teeth with new calcium.
• But if you don’t brush enough or well enough and food remains in and between the teeth, the bacteria creates a slimy layer of plaque on your teeth.
• Saliva can’t get through a thick layer of plaque to clear out the acids and bacteria, so you’re on your way to cavities and gum disease.

Why Just Four Minutes A Day Brushing Your Teeth is Worth It

If you’re looking for reasons to brush twice a day, consider these:

1. You don’t want cavities - Getting out the food particles and brushing away plaque helps protect your teeth from decay; left untreated, this could lead to root canals and lost teeth.

2. You don’t want bad breath - Food left in your mouth feeds bacteria and contributes to halitosis and other problems such as gum disease, which add to the bad breath.

3. You don’t want gum disease - As bacteria and plaque increase, your gums become inflamed and bleed when you brush, causing potentially much more serious problems.

5. You don’t want to lose your teeth - Brushing twice a day helps keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, giving you the best chance to avoid having teeth pulled and wearing dentures.
6. You don’t want to undergo expensive dental treatments - Simply taking a few minutes twice a day to brush, flossing daily, and visiting our dentist in Scottsdale will help you avoid more extensive, expensive treatments.

Brushing, Flossing, and Twice Yearly Visits to Dr. Rick Dentistry in Scottsdale

When it comes right down to it, the few minutes you spend brushing and flossing each day, and scheduling professional cleanings at our Scottsdale dental office twice a year, are well worth the time. Call us today and let us help you enjoy fresh breath, a healthy mouth, and a bright smile for many years.