Are you Brushing enough?

This year is a time that has made many things come to light that normally wouldn't have.  The COVID-19 pandemic has brought time into perspective as well and that is because many people and a large majority of people have been working from home.  This can add a lot of extra time during the day due to a lack of driving to work.  It can also lead to better or worse habits due to the change of routine as well.  One area that has been huge is this year is your dental health.  With the change in regulations and now many people have to wear a face mask to leave their home we are noticing our breath and dental health so much more.  This has brought so many people into the question of if they are healthy enough.  Are you really brushing your teeth enough?

 

The average American actually does not have the best dental hygiene.  We all tell our dentist that we are brushing 2 to 3 times a day, but in reality, the truth is much much less.  It is indeed an average that is below what is recommended by our medical professionals.  The average person brushes their teeth once a day.  This is due to a lack of time and just consistent habits.  The reality is that many people brush before or after they go to work or to bed.  That is the time they are most likely to get into a habit.  I have found that this amount of brushing is not the worst thing in the world.  In fact as long as you are doing multiple cleaning visits with you dentist each year that is most likely an acceptable ammount of brushing.

 

The ADA suggests that brushing your teeth a little more than once a day is preferable.  I think that the amount you should probably be brushing on average is twice a day and the ADA agrees.  This is usually done for most people in the morning and the evening before they go to bed.

  This time span is usually enought to protect your teeth a good amount.  This amount of cleaning added to a normal routine of visiting your dentist is most likely all you need to prevent major issues.  But if you are still not getting it cleaned and inspected bi-yearly you may be in trouble of missing major issues that could be occuring.  Now with COVID-19 and th e pandemic in full swing I find that it is perfect to up your normal routine and go the extra mile.

 

With extra time on your hands it is definitly possible to gain an extra brushing each day especially if you are working from home.  I find that being able to brush up to three times a day is ideal.  If you can add in a after lunch brushing you can protect your teeth for an even longer amount of time.  It really is a cool thing to be able to keep your teeth protected by your toothpaste for the long haul all day long.  Now it is suggested that you still floss once a day and use mouthwash in order to fully protect yourself.  With the extra brushing and a visit to the dentist a few times a year you are most likely doing the best job at protecting your dental health.