Do You Underestimate the Importance of Brushing Your Teeth Properly?

There is no other way of emphasizing that brushing your teeth regularly and properly is important than to say that not doing so will put you give you a much bigger problem in the future. Unfortunately, people either don’t take it seriously or continue on doing it the wrong way.

We are constantly reminded by various advertisements that brushing is a good foundation to having healthy teeth and gums. That is why teaching kids as young as two years old on how to establish proper oral hygiene routine has become essential.

Prior to getting educated by dentists, parents are supposed to be the first role models in making their children understand the importance of this matter. But what if the parents don’t see it the way some of us do?

Eventually, the kids will grow up without knowing the effects of not giving enough attention to proper oral hygiene until they develop diseases that can be attributed to neglect.

Complex Procedure?

Complex? There is reason to conclude that brushing our teeth is a complex task because Internet surveys show that, despite the fact that toothbrushes and toothpastes have been invented in 1780, 6 out of 10 people still don’t brush their teeth twice a day.

Looking at the figures, we can only assume that the six do not know the proper way of brushing their teeth, and therefore, brushing must be a complex process. Also, that’s assuming that the 4 are correctly doing it twice a day.

What Happens If We Don’t Brush our Teeth Properly?

Before we get to that “complex” process, let us first see what can happen if we do not observe the proper way of caring for our teeth. Although there is no hard data that will connect teeth neglect to the different problems involving the teeth and the mouth, the association of these diseases can only be directed at the quality of our own dental care:

• Gingivitis. If our teeth are left unbrushed and the plaque stays on the gums and the teeth, gingivitis occurs. Gingivitis is a gum disease that develops when plaque bores itself beneath the gum line and separates the teeth from the gums.
• Cavities. These are permanent damages in the form of tiny holes on the hard surface of the teeth, which are breached by the acids from sugary foods and liquids. These holes later become very painful.
• Loss of teeth. Tooth loss is normal for babies, but for adults, tooth loss can only be due to an injury, tooth decay, or gum disease. The greatest loss in tooth loss is not the loss of teeth but the loss of grace.
• Bad breath. Although bad breath can be caused by other health problems, its common cause is poor dental hygiene. The greatest impact of bad breath is the loss of social grace.
• Gum Cancer. Mouth cancer is not necessarily caused by poor dental hygiene. Regular tooth brushing allows you to check the inside of your mouth twice a day, which can let you spot or observe if there are some sores in your gums that do not seem to go away.

These are just some of the problems we seek to prevent when we brush our teeth regularly correctly. When we brush our teeth properly, we do not only prevent these problems from occurring, but we also create a condition that can inspire us to flash that enigmatic smile and exude an enormous amount of conviction and enthusiasm.

But what really is the correct method or procedure of brushing our teeth?

The Proper Way

It has been observed that the reason the correct procedure for toothbrushing is not being applied by many is not its complexity, but its over simplicity. Here is how it is to be done, according to Dr. Robert Roesch of the Academy of General Dentistry:

1. Have conscious time. “Teeth should be brushed twice a day for at least two minutes.” Most people think (or do they?) that having run the brush all over the surface of the teeth covers it all.
2. Use a suitable toothbrush. “Toothbrushes are not one-size-fits-all.” Just be sure that your toothbrush can reach the innermost part of your mouth behind your molars. Define the degree of softness or hardness you want for the bristles.
3. Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps make teeth stronger and prevent decay.
4. Brush your teeth at 45-degree angle in a circular motion. Cover all sides of the teeth while in this motion: inside, outside, top.
5. Include the tongue. The tongue is a favourite home for odour-causing bacteria. Brushing the surface gently removes these bacteria and helps freshen your breath.
6. Use dental floss to remove food stuck between teeth. If these food particles are not removed, they may generate bacteria that can cause cavities.
7. Mouthwash is beneficial.  As it removes the food particles after brushing, it can also help in keeping bacteria in check and refreshing the mouth.
8. Replace your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, since it is more likely that the bristles after this time would have been worn out and ineffective in drawing out food particles. Besides, for that length of time, some bacteria might have been already hiding under the bristles.

Again, it is more of over simplicity than complexity. The procedure is so simple we tend to take the procedure for granted. In fact, it is as simple as getting your toothbrush, putting in the right amount of fluoride, getting it inside your mouth, running it in circular motion with enough time at every tooth, rinsing your mouth, and lastly, flossing your teeth.

It’s a Matter of Consciousness

Now, let us go back to number 1 and let’s be conscious about how we brush our teeth. When we do this, we realise we don’t need the smart toothbrush of the Internet of Things because we can’t wait that long to make it happen.

In the morning when you wake up, the first person you see is yourself, and as we look at ourselves in the mirror, and slowly project that smile of confidence and conviction, aren’t we glad we have taken the time to adopt the proper dental care for a joyful and healthy living?