It may be one of the most routine things that parents say to their children: brush your teeth. Perhaps you now say it to your own children, or perhaps you remember having your first cavity and wish you had listened to your parents. Brushing the teeth is essential to good oral health. There are many benefits of brushing the teeth including avoiding bad breath and stains on the teeth. However, there are some benefits that cannot be classified in the same category. Brushing the teeth helps to prevent tooth decay, and it also helps to prevent gum disease – which has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. A person’s general health can be dependent on his or her oral hygiene.

Foods that are eaten contain starches and sugars, and as the food is broken down in the mouth these starches and sugars linger. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on the teeth and when it combines with the sugars and starches that are left behind in the mouth, an acid is produced that attacks the tooth enamel. When the tooth enamel becomes compromised, tooth decay begins. Plaque can also lead to gingivitis and serious gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

Brushing the teeth properly removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth so that it cannot severely damage them. When combined with daily flossing, a significant portion of plaque can be removed every day to promote optimal oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brush his or her teeth at least twice a day for about two minutes each time.

At Gold Hill Dentistry, we want to partner with you for optimal oral health. We understand the relationship between your oral health and your overall health, and we will work with you to gain a beautiful and healthy smile.