If you ask most people how often they should brush their teeth, the most common response will be, “twice a day. Brush once in the morning and once before bed.” While this generality has kept many people from developing cavities, dentists now agree that every time people eat a meal they should brush their teeth. If the thought of putting even more effort into maintaining healthy teeth makes you cringe, hang in there!
Your mouth is a gateway to your entire health. Managing your weight begins with the foods and beverages that enter your mouth. Most medications that manage your health are taken through the mouth. Therefore, it should be no surprise that maintaining proper oral health will also benefit your entire body. Many health issues (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, gut issues) have been connected to improper oral hygiene. When you eat foods, the sugars from the foods break down and form plaque that begins to cover the teeth. Plaque is very damaging to teeth and gums because it is made up of bacteria that eat away at healthy surfaces in the mouth. By brushing your teeth after each meal, you are taking an extra step of protection to ensuring that your teeth stay healthy. By taking two minutes to brush your teeth after each meal, you are eliminating the sugars from the foods you just ate so that they do no accumulate on the surface of your teeth and gums.
At Group Dental Health, our dental providers are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. While we offer customized and individualized dental care to each of our patients, we also understand that there are certain measures that everyone can take to help ensure optimal oral health. Brushing your teeth after your meals is incredibly important for preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
