What’s your oral health routine? Do you use mouthwash? Do you floss every day? Do you brush twice per day? In our practice, we ask questions like these to our patients every time they come in for a checkup. We hope they answer honestly, especially on that last question. The truth is that many people feel that it’s not necessary to brush twice per day. Maybe they think it takes too much time, or they just forget to brush before going to bed. If you think that brushing twice per day is an optional part of your oral healthcare routine, think again! Here are some reasons why you should always brush two times every day, straight from the team at ZDental:

The American Dental Association (ADA) Recommends Brushing Twice Per Day

As the country’s top professional association of dentists for more than 160 years, the ADA often makes recommendations about important oral health topics. They have outlined a suggested oral health routine that includes a dental checkup every 6 months, flossing once per day, using mouthwash, and brushing twice per day for two minutes each time. The ADA and its 162,000 members believe in the importance of brushing twice daily, and so should you.

Bacteria in the Mouth Can Cause Tooth Decay and More

Your mouth is home to a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. While most are not harmful on their own, they do produce harmful byproducts like acids that can eat away at your tooth enamel. Dead bacteria can also become calcified, creating a hard buildup known as tartar that prevents you from properly cleaning the tooth surfaces underneath. Tartar also irritates the gums, leading to gum recession and eventually gum disease. The best way to keep your mouth bacteria in check is by brushing your teeth regularly. 

While regular brushing is great for your oral health, if you’re only brushing in the morning, you could be giving your mouth bacteria a chance to build up over the day and night. For the healthiest teeth and gums, you will want to brush once in the morning, and once before going to bed. You may also want to brush or rinse your mouth out with water after eating sugary or acidic foods; just don’t make this a regular part of your routine, as excessive brushing can cause irritation and bleeding of the gums.

Finding a Dentist You Can Trust in New Jersey or Philadelphia, PA

If you have questions about the best way to care for your teeth and gums, the best thing to do is speak with a dentist. If you’re looking for a dentist in Philadelphia, PA, or New Jersey, you can count on ZDental to provide the best advice about your oral health. Our team has earned the trust of people in your community and we have 5 locations in the area to serve you better. Visit our contact page to find the clinic closest to you and call to schedule an appointment today! Whether you need restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, an emergency dentist in Bensalem, PA, or you just need to schedule a checkup, you will always be in the right hands at ZDental.