How many times do I need to brush my teeth ..ideally?

 

Brushing is like daily service of your teeth. But how many times should it be done ideally? Some say once a day is enough while others suggest twice daily. There are others who recommend brushing after every meal. Everyone has their own reasoning to support their statement. Equally important is rinsing after you eat/drink anything and flossing. To know more about the right brush selection and brushing technique, click here.

How many times do I need to brush?

As a dentist, I would say brushing once a day is enough for most people, but ideal recommendation would be to brush twice a day-once in the morning and once before going to bed.

Brushing at night is more important than brushing in the morning. This is because if food gets stuck in between your teeth, it will remain in contact with your teeth for full duration of night. So not only the teeth are at risk but you will also have bad breath from the decaying of food.

For patients with severe tooth alignment problems, who are highly prone to caries and those with decreased saliva flow can brush their teeth even after every meal to maintain their oral hygiene.

Which toothbrush do I use?

An ideal recommended toothbrush is one with super-soft bristles irrespective of the brand. Use it very gently with a circular motion. Avoid horizontal scrubbing. If the bristles of your brush spread out like a fan before 3 month, you probably are too aggressive with your brushing. If the bristles are straight even after 4-5 months of usage, the brushing technique used is probably ineffective.

Which toothpaste should I use?

Use of toothpaste in brushing is debatable. While some recommend use of toothpaste others suggest it merely is used for its foaming effect and pleasant flavor. In my opinion, there is no difference in brushing with/without toothbrush provided the brushing technique is correct and proper brush is used. Medicated toothpaste recommended for tooth sensitivity are exempted from this debate.

In short, brush twice a day with a super soft toothbrush and any good brand toothpaste. And do not forget to visit your dentist for a routine check-up every 6 months.