According to the American Dental Association (ADA), brushing your teeth daily can help slow the process that leads to poor oral health. The ADA recommends brushing twice each day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. For maximum benefit, fluoride toothpaste can help harden tooth enamel and fight cavities. Read on to find the top benefits of brushing teeth.
If you would like to enhance your oral health, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral examination and professional teeth cleaning.
Oral Health is a Window
Studies have shown the importance of your smile to build confidence, maintain self-esteem, and even get the job you want. Although clean, healthy teeth are essential for a winsome smile, researchers now believe that good oral health’s importance goes beyond your smile. In fact, oral health is now called a window to your overall health. You can take several steps to ensure optimal oral health, such as regular toothbrushing. Below are five benefits of brushing your teeth.
5 Benefits of Brushing Teeth
1. Prevents Tooth Decay
Toothbrushing helps remove the bacterial film, known as dental plaque, that interacts with sugar in food to create acid. It is this acid that has the potential to remove minerals from tooth enamel and cause holes known as dental cavities. These cavities can cause pain and infection and require dental treatment to repair.
2. Whiter Teeth
Everyone wants the whitest and brightest teeth possible. This desire has led to whitening toothpaste, toothbrushes, and even whitening dental floss. Additionally, many home bleaching products are now used to remove stains from teeth. While all of these products might have their benefits, toothbrushing remains one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth whiter. Brushing removes plaque that can make teeth turn yellow or brown. Also, brushing after consuming certain foods and drinks, such as berries and coffee, removes their staining effect.
3. Prevents Bad Breath
Dental plaque and food debris left in your mouth are common causes of bad breath. You can eliminate these sources of halitosis by brushing twice daily and changing your toothbrush every three to four months. As the ADA recommends, it is also necessary to floss daily to keep your breath fresh.
4. Prevents Gum Disease
Dental plaque not only damages tooth enamel but also causes gum inflammation. The first signs of this are red, swollen, bleeding gums. Fortunately, the initial stage of gingivitis is reversible with toothbrushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleaning. Unfortunately, not removing plaque can lead to periodontal disease. This irreversible gum disease condition can cause tooth loss.
5. Prevents Heart Disease
You cannot rely on toothbrushing alone to keep your heart healthy. However, many scientists have found a strong correlation between the bacteria in dental plaque and the progression of coronary artery lesions that lead to a heart attack. Further research is needed, but toothbrushing won’t hurt your heart and may be a habit that helps prevent heart problems.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn more about how we can help you prevent cavities, keep your breath fresh, and have a bright smile.