You have likely heard from your family dentist that you must brush your teeth twice a day. But you might be wondering if this alone will be enough to protect them. There are several reasons why you need to do more than simply brush your teeth. Keep reading to learn more.
Not brushing often enough allows bacteria to form into plaque. This can coat the surface of the gums, teeth and mouth. According to studies, there are more than 600 different kinds of bacteria. When there are too many in the mouth, the patient can develop serious oral problems. However, neglecting other parts of oral care puts the patient at risk for more issues.
Every day, bacteria accumulate in the mouth. When eating, bacteria are being fed fuel. That allows them to produce acid. This slowly eats away at the tooth enamel until it does not protect the teeth properly.
Tooth decay does not depend on how much carbs or sugar the patient eats, though this does play a role. Instead, the length of time that the teeth are exposed to the sugar is a major factor. If food becomes lodged in the teeth, it will still feed the bacteria. That allows the bacteria to continue to produce acid.
Brushing the teeth does remove quite a bit of bacteria, food debris and plaque. However, a toothbrush cannot get into the small spaces that are between the teeth. Flossing once each day can help remove the particles. This reduces the chances of cavities forming in the teeth.
Even with the right flossing and brushing routine, some bacteria might remain in the teeth. If this stays there for longer than 48 hours, the plaque can harden into tartar. A toothbrush will not be able to remove this from the teeth. This is why regular dental cleaning and a checkup is so important.
The patient should see a dentist every six months. The dentist can clean off every bit of tartar and plaque from the teeth. This is even more important near the gumline and between the teeth. Another benefit of dental visits is that the teeth, gums and mouth will be inspected for any signs of infection or decay. It is better to catch a cavity early than wait until it develops further.
A family dentist might recommend that a patient use mouthwash. It can kill harmful bacteria in the teeth. Some types of mouthwash can even strengthen the teeth. A dentist can recommend the right type for a patient to use.
Brushing your teeth several times a day is a good starting point for oral care. However, it should not be where you stop. Flossing is another important aspect of tooth care because it reaches areas that your toothbrush cannot. Making an appointment with your family dentist can help any issues be caught early.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesinpa.com or call Jenny Chen Pediatric and Family Dentistry at (610) 400-1588 for an appointment in our West Grove office.
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