Prevention is better than cure and the first line of defense you have against tooth decay is brushing, which is why it’s important to brush twice a day for two minutes each time.

Why is brushing so important?

Brushing removes plaque from the mouth. If plaque is left to its own devices, it can and eventually will instigate gum disease and tooth decay.

How is tooth decay caused?

Plaque is ever present in the mouth and it feeds on sugary and starchy foods, turning them into harmful plaque acids. These acids will gradually wear away the enamel of your tooth and, if allowed to wear enough away, will eventually produce cavities which the bacteria will invade. Once the inner pulp of the tooth gets infected, this can lead to you requiring root canal surgery or tooth extraction.

When to brush

Now is probably a good time to mention that you can inadvertently help plaque by brushing at the wrong time. It is advisable that you wait an hour after eating before you brush your teeth. The acid in many foods and drinks can soften tooth enamel, which means that if you brush just after partaking of these substances, then you are actually wearing down your own tooth enamel!

What about gum disease?

If plaque is allowed to collect in your mouth, it might well start hardening into tartar. Tartar is much trickier to get rid of than plaque is. If tartar forms along your gum line, then the plaque beneath can start to release toxins which will cause a swelling of the gums and can leave your mouth a little sore. Your gums can then start to shift away from your teeth, leaving pockets which risk becoming infected.

So…?

Brush! That’s the gist of it. When brushing, make sure to brush all over (including the corners of your mouth). Make sure to brush each tooth individually and try to keep the brush angled so that is also brushes the gum line. For more information on oral hygiene please contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa.