Ideally, brush your teeth at least three times a day, for three to four minutes, the dentist recommends.
Of the three brushing daily rates (at least) recommended by dentists, the one carried out before going to bed is the main one.
There are those who believe that it is possible to avoid brushing your teeth without causing serious damage to your smile, because we do not eat while we sleep, but fasting is not enough.
“When we are awake, we produce saliva to help us clean ourselves. When we sleep, production decreases significantly,” explains Camilo Anautate Netto, member of the Technical Chamber of Dentistry of the Regional Council of Dentistry of San Paolo (CRO-SP).
Without this help, the mouth becomes a perfect place for bacteria to thrive, creating an environment conducive to the development of cavities, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.
The expert emphasizes that the problem is even greater among “mouth breathers,” that is, those who breathe through their mouth — like people who snoreFor example. An open mouth dries out the mucous membranes, further drying out the saliva produced by the body.
Furthermore, brushing your teeth at night is what we can do most calmly, without worrying about being late for work or the end of our lunch break. “A technical brushing lasts at least six minutes, so at home it takes at least three to four minutes to be done well and effectively,” advises the dentist.
Explain that the best toothbrush is one with softer bristles, so as not to damage the tooth enamel, the same reason why toothpaste should not be abrasive. It is also important to brush all sides of the tooth: the outer ones, facing the mouth and cheeks; the inner ones, facing the tongue; and the chewing side.
Eight smooth, rotating strokes on each side of the teeth are ideal for protecting against cavities, says Anautate. But even technical brushing should always be accompanied by dental floss, since traditional toothbrushes are unable to clean the spaces between the teeth.
All teeth, without exception, should be brushed. “It is common to see people in the office with their front teeth, which appear in the smile, more beautiful and white, while the back teeth, which are not visible, have cavities,” says Anautate.
And while nighttime brushing is the most important, the CRO-SP specialist is adamant: this does not mean we can ignore the other two and only brush at that time. “If too much time passes between brushings, bacterial plaque will form. If this time is too long, this plaque will become larger, more mature, and more difficult to remove,” he warns.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
