It Is Not Enough To Only Brush Your Teeth
If you brush your teeth twice a day, you are making a good stride toward good oral health. However, if this is all you are doing, it is not enough. Only focusing on brushing your teeth may help you lower your risk of developing a cavity, but it may not protect you from tooth discoloration, tooth loss, and several other issues. Learn why brushing your teeth is only the beginning.
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If you are going about the process correctly, you are probably brushing your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. However, even with all this effort, you might be surprised to discover that you are not reaching every part of your teeth's surface, which is not a good thing.
For this reason, brushing is never enough. It is important that you also floss and use mouthwash to ensure that you are able to reach the entire surface of each of your teeth for proper cleaning. So, remember that brushing is only the beginning.
Plaque Buildup
Another reason that brushing is not enough is that it does not necessarily do the best job at removing plaque buildup. Again, brushing alone does bring along the risk of leaving bacteria behind. When bacteria are left behind, it can foster plaque buildup. Increased plaque can cause tooth discoloration, foul breath, and even tooth loss.
Generally, only a dentist has the tools necessary to remove this plaque buildup from the tight spaces that a toothbrush, floss, or mouthwash is unable to reach. A thorough cleaning at least two times a year is great for removing this plaque buildup.
Underlying Conditions
It is also worth noting that brushing your teeth alone is not enough to detect certain underlying conditions, including diabetes and cancer. Foul-smelling breath, swollen gums, and excessive bleeding that is not necessarily linked to an oral health condition are just a few of the signs of diabetes, and unexplained lumps and sore areas around the gums can be an indication of cancer.
Unfortunately, these issues often go undetected by the untrained eye, so it is important that you do not just brush your teeth, but also visit the dentist regularly to stay on top of these issues to protect your oral and overall health.
Keep in mind, it is essential that you incorporate regular visits to the dentist as part of your oral healthcare regimen.
For more information, contact your dentist.
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