Teeth and dentistry can be mysterious topics for many people. We all know that brushing is essential, but how often should we brush? What happens if we don’t floss? It’s surprising to learn that there are so many dental myths out there. In this blog post, we will discuss facts about teeth and dentistry that you may not have known before.
There is a right and wrong way to brush teeth
In order to properly clean our teeth, we have been told time and time again that it is necessary to brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time. However, many of us allow distractions such as talking or watching TV to get in the way of brushing correctly. It turns out that most people only brush for about 45 seconds – which is not enough to clean our teeth! Studies have shown that the average person needs at least one full two-minute session with an electric toothbrush to do a better job than a manual toothbrush. Another factor in brushing properly is the angle at which we hold the toothbrush. We are taught to hold it at a 45-degree angle, but studies have shown that the optimal angle is just about 20 degrees. Angling our brush before running it along the side of each tooth will achieve more effective results than brushing straight on.
Flossing isn’t something that should be done just once or twice per day
The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day, but the two-minute session they recommend is not enough to properly clean between teeth. Flossing needs to be done at least once in the morning and once at night – it simply will not be effective if done any less often.
The length of our teeth change as we age
Most people know that the length and shape of teeth change over time, but did you know it is not simply because we wear out or break our teeth? Several factors, including hormones and genetics, cause our adult teeth to be much longer than the primary ones that we grew up with.
Brushing with cold water actually makes plaque more sticky
When we brush with cold water, the volatile compounds in the toothpaste become more solid, making them less likely to dissolve plaque. This can result in brushing too hard, which causes damage to teeth and gums over time. Brushing with warm or hot water will help to remove plaque and bacteria from our teeth better.
Your tongue is a good indicator of your overall oral health
If you have a coated or slimy feeling on your tongue, it is an indication of inflammation in the mouth. This could be caused by brushing too hard, poor dental hygiene habits, excess sugar intake, or another issue. If left untreated, this can lead to periodontitis – which can cause tooth loss. Conclusion
If you are not brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, flossing every day and using the proper technique when doing so, and regularly visiting your dentist to get check-ups and cleanings – you could be putting yourself at risk. Your overall oral health and appearance depend on following these simple steps!
