Why Should I Brush My Teeth for At Least 2 Minutes?
February 11, 2025
Visiting your family dentist Charleston SC, is crucial in maintaining good dental health. However, observing good oral hygiene at home is the best compliment to regular teeth cleanings.
Proper oral hygiene includes brushing for at least 2 minutes. This specific duration brings multiple benefits to your dental health.
Benefits of Brushing Your Teeth for at Least 2 Minutes
It Can Help You Remove Plaque
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice daily – in the morning and before sleep. Food residue can accumulate on the teeth in the hours between each brushing.
Thus, it would be best if you took the time to remove this debris, or it will attract bacteria that can damage the enamel. The more plaque you can remove, the safer you are from dental health issues.
It Helps You Avoid Oral Diseases
Eradicating plaque from your mouth saves you from multiple dental problems. These include:
Cavities
Plaque that remains on the tooth’s surface gives bacteria enough ground to thrive. These microbes will gradually attack the shell until they create a hole. The holes will grow bigger the longer the microorganisms are allowed to multiply.
If the plaque remains for 72 hours, it’ll develop into hard shells called tartar and become more challenging to clean.
Gingivitis/Periodontitis
Aside from the enamel, plaque and bacteria can also accumulate near the gums. When that happens, they can trigger inflammation, gum tenderness, and bleeding – classic gum infection symptoms.
The first phase of infection is gingivitis, which you can address with proper oral hygiene. The second phase of infection is called periodontitis, which is irreversible without oral surgery and can cause tooth loss.
Pulp Infections
The pulp is the innermost part of the teeth where you can find the soft tissues and nerve endings. If cavities are allowed to burrow deeper into the tooth, they can cause painful infections in the pulp. Over time, the bacteria can contaminate the root from which they could spread to other teeth or the jaws.
You Also Need Proper Technique
It’s not enough to brush your teeth for the recommended time. You also need to follow the correct technique to maximize the amount of biofilm you can eliminate from your teeth and gums.
The American Dental Association recommends using gentle back-and-forth movements across the front parts of the teeth. For the insides, you must move the toothbrush up and down the tooth’s edge.
Consult Your Family Dentist in Charleston, SC
Aside from oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist will help you prevent oral health problems. Call us now for an appointment.