The Importance of Brushing Teeth
In our modern society with all of the refined and processed foods that we are exposed to, and let’s face it, most of the processed foods these days have some sugar in them; it becomes vitally important to brush your teeth.
The sugar in processed foods is acidic, and this starts to erode the dentine of your teeth. The amount of sugar is not so critical; it is the frequency of sugar intake that does the most damage. There are a number of reasons why brushing your teeth is important; neutralising the acid caused by sugar intake is merely one of them. Let’s go through those reasons, and you will soon realise why brushing your teeth is so important
The many reasons why tooth brushing is so important
#1. Probably the most important reason is the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. When you eat, the food starts to decompose in your mouth, and that causes bacteria to form in your mouth and on your teeth in the form of plague. If this plaque is not removed it will slowly start to erode your teeth, and when lodged between the teeth and under your gum line, can cause gum disease. Gum disease will eventually lead to bone loss around the teeth and loss of the tooth itself.
#2. Regular brushing removes tooth stains, which can be unsightly. Toothpaste is slightly abrasive, and this, together with the brushing motion removes the tooth stains.
#3. Brushing your teeth will help to keep your breath fresh. We are all well aware of the effect of bad breath, particularly if you have a job where you have to deal with people all the time. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, for a minimum of 2 minutes each time. Be sure to brush all your teeth, maintaining the brush at a forty-five degree angle to your teeth. Fresh breath will also be enhanced by brushing your tongue. There can be a considerable build-up of bacteria on your tongue; brushing your tongue will ensure that this build-up of bacteria is kept to a minimum.
#4. Talking about bacteria…the bacteria that forms in your mouth can be flushed down your throat and into your stomach. In extreme cases this can cause a number of health problems
- It can increase the likelihood of cholesterol build-up, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
- The bacteria in your bloodstream can be absorbed by your baby if you are pregnant.
- Research has shown that bacteria build-up and absorption can increase your chances of developing dementia by 30 to 40%.
#5. And finally, regular brushing and overall dental health will significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This will, in the long run, reduce the amount of time you have to spend in your local Vancouver dentist’s chair and, more importantly, will reduce the amount of money you will have to spend to correct problems caused by poor dental care.
Yes, we know it takes a whole 2 minutes but…
Let’s face it, brushing your teeth is a chore, and a great many people find it a bind to do on any kind of regular basis. Brushing is bad enough, flossing can be even more annoying. It is, however, indisputable that regular brushing and flossing is an essential part of one’s daily routine that will reap innumerable benefits, now and in the future.