Brush Your Teeth!!

“How many times a week do you floss?”

We all know the question. Every dentist asks it, nearly every comedian has a bit about it, but the question less asked—the question that should be asked—is: “How often do you brush your teeth?”

When I was younger, before I moved out and had to start buying my own tubes of toothpaste, I used to brush my teeth five times a day. I would brush my teeth as soon as I woke up, after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and once more before finally slipping into bed. I admit that this was a tad excessive, but consider this: I am nearly 26 years old and I have never ever had a cavity. But, if my behaviour was excessive, please consider the opposite: people who don’t brush their teeth at all. As someone who had an, albeit brief, background in dental assisting, this mentality simply baffles me. How does this happen? I can understand it if you’re homeless or otherwise incapable of owning a toothbrush and toothpaste, but how does the average middle, upper, or even middle-lower, class person not know that brushing your teeth isn’t an “optional” task in your daily routine; it’s a must!

The American Dental Association, the grand poobahs of all things “teeth,” advise that everyone brush their teeth a minimum of twice a day. Sure, flossing is great, and so is mouthwash, but did you know that brushing alone gets rid of most of the plaque, and other gross bacteria, that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and (eww) bad breath. That is, if you do it right.

Always brush with a soft-bristled brush. The softer the better! But, why then, you ask, do they make “firm” bristled brushes? Because some people like the “feel” of them and, ultimately, toothbrush companies are out to make money. They’re a business. But, what they aren’t telling you is that bristles that are too firm, or if your actual brushing motions are too rough or vigorous, your gums can recess. With firm bristles or rough brushing where too much pressure is applied, you eventually end up wearing away your gums. This has the look of your gums being pushed higher and higher and more and more of your tooth being exposed. The only way to “fix” this problem is with periodontal surgery. This type of surgery is extremely expensive, extremely painful, and can easily be avoided; just brush softly with a very soft-bristled tooth brush!

When brushing your teeth, start with a slightly moist toothbrush “prepped” with a modest amount of toothpaste, and brush your teeth gently with small circular motions starting with your back teeth and progressing forward to your front. Don’t forget to do the “back side” of your teeth as well. And to really stick it to those bad breath goblins hiding out in your mouth, brush the insides of your cheeks and your tongue. A good trick to see if you’ve banished any offensive odors is to lick the back of your hand and then smell it. What you smell is what other people are going to smell when they talk to you. If it’s undesirable, you may need to brush your teeth again.

So go out. Live your life with confidence. Brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day. And don’t forget to smile!

--Lauren*