The Benefits of Proper Teeth Brushing

Most people regard brushing their teeth as just another habit or as part of their daily routine. At our dental practice, we view brushing and flossing of your teeth as an essential element in the fight against cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. As a leading dental care provider in Detroit, we work with you to create a customized dental plan that includes brushing, flossing and required procedures in our office. This allows us to provide you with the best and most practical services for your needs.

At Gentle Dental of Michigan, we offer dental care for the entire family. Our team of dental professionals will schedule check-ups, teeth cleaning appointments and other dental services at times that suit your busy schedule. We work with you to protect the long-term health of your teeth and gums. This can ensure that you and your family can enjoy brighter and more beautiful smiles for many years into the future.

Why Proper Brushing Is Important

When you eat sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in your mouth immediately begin attacking the remnants of these foods that remain on your teeth, in your mouth or on your gums. The result of this process is plaque, which is a sticky colorless or whitish film that sticks to your teeth. Brushing regularly will remove most plaque. Flossing and regular brushing are your best first line of defense against plaque and the damage it can cause to your teeth and gums.

What Happens When Plaque Is Not Removed?

If plaque is not removed completely between meals, the acids it contains can break down the enamel of your teeth. This enamel forms a hard shell that protects the inner part of your tooth from bacteria, infection and injury. Plaque can cause tooth decay and cavities, which can require fillings or crowns for you or your family members.

Plaque also causes bad breath, which is a concern for many people. Removing it through proper brushing will significantly reduce or eliminate bad breath to help you feel much more confident when interacting with others.

Over time, plaque can harden from a sticky film to a crusty substance known as tartar. Tartar typically builds up between teeth, on the back of teeth and around the gumline to increase the risk of bad breath and to cause irritation of the gums. Regular dental cleanings are the best way to get rid of tartar on your teeth.

The most serious side effect of tartar is gum disease. This condition begins as gingivitis, which may cause bleeding, swelling or redness of the gums. In some cases, gingivitis creates no noticeable symptoms at all. If left untreated, however, it usually progresses to become gum disease or periodontal disease, which can cause bone loss in the jaw or the roots of the teeth. It can also cause looseness of the teeth and, in extremely advanced cases, can cause teeth to fall out and be lost.

Brushing Habits for Healthy Teeth

The dental professionals at the American Dental Association (ADA) have issued some recommendations about the best ways to brush your teeth to remove plaque and to improve the health of your teeth and gums. Here are some of the most common recommendations for brushing your teeth correctly:

• Choosing the right toothbrush is the first step in brushing your teeth in the right way. The ADA recommends using a toothbrush with soft, flexible bristles that can reach between teeth without causing injury or irritation to your gums. Your dentist may recommend a firmer toothbrush if your dental condition requires it.
• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will remove most of the plaque that can cause dental issues. Most dentists recommend brushing after every meal and after any sugary snack.
• The length of time that you spend brushing your teeth also has an impact on the amount of plaque you can remove. The ADA recommends brushing for at least two minutes. Dividing your mouth into four sections and spending 30 seconds or more on each section is one of the best ways to ensure that your teeth are as clean as possible after you brush.
• Choosing a toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA and that contains fluoride can help keep your teeth healthier. Our dental team can provide you with expert guidance on the right type of toothpaste for your specific needs.
• Replacing your toothbrush every three months or whenever you see signs of wear is essential to ensure the best results.
• Using a circular motion rather than brushing straight up and down will remove more plaque while reducing the pressure and friction caused by brushing your teeth too hard.
• Flossing before or after you brush your teeth will remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth. This will reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Rinsing your mouth thoroughly and cleaning your toothbrush after brushing will remove any debris still left on your teeth and your toothbrush. This can ensure that your toothbrush functions properly every time you brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits at our office will provide you with added guidance and support in keeping your teeth clean and healthy now and for many years to come. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the best possible dental care for yourself and for your family in the Detroit area.

Following these recommendations will help you to enjoy better dental health now and will protect your family’s beautiful smiles for many years to come.

Brushing Your Way to Healthier Teeth and Gums

After going through the above recommendations, we hope you feel well equipped to deal with your oral health care every single day. If you need additional recommendations, or feel it has been too long since seeing a dentist, or team is here to help. Give us a call today to discuss your requirements with our team of dental specialists and to make your first appointment. We look forward to the chance to serve you.