Systemic good health begins in our mouths, and the well-being of their patients is the strongest reason dentists advise sound dental hygiene practices in tandem with scheduled professional visits. Since childhood, we’ve been taught to brush our teeth after every meal; but should we really? According to the American Dental Association (ADA) it’s actually best to brush in the morning after we wake and again at night before bedtime.
Most would assume that brushing several times a day would stop any chances of developing gum disease or inflammation issues that contribute to poor health. However, that would be overdoing it. The ADA explains that brushing a maximum of twice a day (no more; no less) is necessary to allow a substance called biofilm to be formed then removed. What is this substance and why must it be removed?
Biofilm develops when a specific sequence of bacteria begins to stack on top of one another in our mouths. Different bacteria always form in the same order and the first two strains to stack cannot cause periodontitus. These early bacteria are considered beneficial however they also serve as a base layer for later bacteria formation. It is these later bacterial colonizers that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease.
When the first layers of biofilm are not brushed away completely and the successive layers are allowed to form, within a few weeks they take over and gum disease is likely to develop. The goal is to allow the early bacterial stacks to form and to minimize the formation of the later colonizing, harmful bacteria. Therefore brushing in moderation is the best way to prevent gum disease.
This way, biofilm production is made to start over and over so that just the beneficial bacteria are present. Perform the ritual of brushing twice daily and the later colonizing bacteria are unable to take hold.
To Summarize:
- Biofilm forms on teeth and initially presents a barrier to disease-causing bacteria.
- Over time, if not removed by brushing, harmful bacteria attach themselves to the degrading biofilm.
- If you brush too often, you will not allow the biofilm to form, and if you don’t brush enough, you would be allowing harmful bacteria to form in your mouth.
- Bacteria can take hold in the mouth as gum disease and create inflammatory issues in the body that contribute to a greater risk for systemic diseases.
- According to the ADA, brushing twice daily will reduce your risk!
Brush Twice Daily and See Your Dentist Twice a Year
Happily, sound dental hygiene habits at home coupled with routine visits to your dentist are all most of us need to achieve and to maintain sound dental health. Need affordable dental care? With the Key Discount Dental Plan, regular dental care is affordable. For more info, contact one of our knowledgeable customer care representatives at (800) 539-4550 or join online now. This is not insurance.
