Should I Brush After Every Meal Or Is Twice A Day Enough?

In order to accurately answer this question, let’s take a look at what happens inside your mouth throughout the day.

There is always at least some “bad bacteria” in your mouth. Whenever you eat a meal or snack during the day that contains sugar, that bacteria use the sugar in the food to make and release acids into your mouth. 

When food particles are left in your mouth for a period of time, they also form plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that contains millions of bacteria.

The acids released by the bacteria, sitting against your teeth, break down the enamel. The enamel on each of your teeth is the armor that protects the inside of each tooth.

Repeated attacks by this acid over time, break down the enamel, exposing the inside of your tooth to the bacteria. When the enamel is broken down a hole, or “cavity”, forms.

Every time you brush, you are removing the bacteria and any acids in your mouth.

Plaque that is not removed in time hardens into tartar. The tartar then builds up and creates a barrier between your toothbrush and your tooth. Once the tartar forms, you must have a dental hygienist remove the buildup.

That is why visiting your dentist every 6 months is an important part of your dental care.

The routine the American Dental Association has recommended has been misinterpreted by many. 

They recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. 

However, there is a better way to protect your teeth.

Throughout the day, the amount of bacteria in your mouth continues to build up. While saliva is constantly washing some of it away, the plaque still remains.

Every time, you eat a meal or a snack during the day, you are providing fuel or food to the bacteria sitting against your teeth. 

By taking the time to quickly brush your teeth immediately after eating, you are removing the sugar and bacteria. 

While it may mean taking a quick break from your activities, it will greatly decrease the amount of acid in your mouth and clear the plaque from the surface of your teeth.

While your daily routine is extremely important, you can also aid your tooth health by visiting your dentist every six months, flossing daily and avoiding sugary and acidic foods.

Be true to your teeth and they won’t be false to you!