Brushing prevents all dental problems

Okay, so I’ve always been told that brushing twice a day is the key to good dental health. My parents drilled it into me, my dentist reinforces it, commercials scream it. Brush, brush, brush! And I do! Faithfully.

But… I still get cavities. And sometimes my gums bleed a little. And I’m starting to worry about gum recession because I see more of my teeth showing. So, if I’m brushing regularly, shouldn’t that prevent ALL problems? Am I doing it wrong? Is there something wrong with my teeth? Is the advice I’ve been given just… wrong? What else is there besides brushing? I use fluoride toothpaste, by the way. I’m just confused and kind of frustrated! I thought I was doing everything right.

Answer

Brushing your teeth is a cornerstone of good oral hygiene, but it doesn’t prevent all dental problems. While it’s incredibly effective at removing plaque and food debris, other factors contribute to the overall health of your mouth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what brushing does, what it doesn’t do, and what other factors are important:

What Brushing Does:

• Removes Plaque: Brushing physically removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
• Removes Food Debris: Brushing removes food particles that can fuel bacteria growth and contribute to plaque formation.
• Stimulates Gums: Gentle brushing stimulates the gums, increasing blood flow and helping to keep them healthy.
• Delivers Fluoride (with Fluoride Toothpaste): Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and helping to repair early signs of tooth decay.
• Freshens Breath: Removing bacteria and food debris reduces bad breath.

What Brushing Doesn’t Do (Limitations of Brushing):

• Reach All Areas: Brushing can’t effectively reach all areas of the mouth, especially between teeth and under the gum line.
• Remove Hardened Tartar (Calculus): If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, which brushing can’t remove. Tartar requires professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist.
• Address Underlying Medical Conditions: Some dental problems are linked to underlying medical conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or eating disorders. Brushing alone can’t solve these problems.
• Correct Misalignment: Brushing won’t correct misaligned teeth (malocclusion).
• Prevent Trauma: Brushing won’t prevent dental injuries from accidents or sports.
• Change Saliva Composition or Flow: Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health, neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. Brushing doesn’t affect saliva production or composition. Some medical conditions and medications can affect saliva.
• Address Genetic Predisposition: Some people are genetically more prone to certain dental problems, like gum disease.

Other Important Factors for Oral Health:

• Flossing: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth, areas brushing can’t reach. It’s crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings: Dentists and hygienists can detect early signs of dental problems, remove tartar, and provide personalized advice on oral hygiene.
• Healthy Diet: A diet low in sugar and acidic foods reduces the risk of cavities and enamel erosion.
• Fluoride: In addition to fluoride toothpaste, fluoride can be obtained from drinking fluoridated water or through professional fluoride treatments.
• Mouthwash: Antimicrobial mouthwashes can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque. Fluoride mouthwashes can further strengthen enamel.
• Proper Brushing Technique: Using the correct brushing technique (e.g., small circular motions, angling the brush towards the gum line) ensures effective plaque removal.
• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
• Good Nutrition: Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals supports overall health, including oral health. Vitamin D and calcium are particularly important for strong teeth and bones.
• Addressing Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): If you grind your teeth, especially at night, a mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.

In conclusion, brushing is an essential part of oral hygiene, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive approach that includes flossing, regular dental visits, a healthy diet, and other preventive measures is necessary to maintain optimal oral health and minimize the risk of dental problems.