How many times should i brush my teeth

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you:

Table of Contents Show

Brushing Your Teeth
How Many Times A Day Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Brushing Teeth Once A Day: Is It Enough?
Your Dentist Is Your Biggest Ally For Healthy Teeth And Gums
Is brushing your teeth 3 times a day too much?
Is brushing my teeth 4 times a day too much?
Is it OK to brush teeth only once a day?
Why brush teeth 2x a day?

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

The proper brushing technique is to:

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

Check out this handy infographic on brushing!

Of course, brushing your teeth is only a part of a complete dental care routine. You should also make sure to:

Clean between teeth daily once a day. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Eat a balanced diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

Download the How to Brush PDF:

How to Brush (PDF)

Talk to your dentist about what types of dental products will be most effective for you. The ADA Seal lets you know the product has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.

Posted on March 28, 2020
In News

Tooth brushing is widely regarded as the most important thing you can do for dental health. Still, many people simply don’t like to brush. They might feel like it is an inconvenient chore, or even find that tooth brushing is physically uncomfortable.

Many people wonder: How much brushing is enough?

How Many Times A Day Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Most dentists believe you should brush your teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. This is important because during the night, the formation of plaque is mostly undisturbed. Brushing after each meal is also endorsed by many dentists.

Brushing within 30 minutes of eating can slow down the bacterial colonization of the teeth. Bacteria feast on food particles, particularly sugar, releasing by-products that cause tooth decay.

Brushing Teeth Once A Day: Is It Enough?

Twice daily brushing is best for most people – but once a day is better than nothing! If you decide to brush once a day, consider timing it just before bed or just after waking.

Also think about other dental care activities you can do. For example, recent research shows antiseptic mouth wash can help reduce plaque.

What else can you do to fight pesky plaque? Sugar-free gum promotes saliva production, and saliva is a powerful natural deterrent for all kinds of bacteria. Saliva carries with it the minerals teeth need to rebuild and stay strong, too.

Some gums even have special additives that may support long-term dental health.

Your Dentist Is Your Biggest Ally For Healthy Teeth And Gums

In the end, only you can decide how and when to brush.

If you decide to brush less than twice a day, it’s even more important to be sure you see a dentist you trust on a regular basis. We recommend everyone sees a dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can spot the early signs of tooth and gum issues. Plus, a periodic dental cleaning is vital!

A Dentist You Can Rely On–Anywhere

Dental Health Associates of Madison have several clinic locations to make dental healthcare that much easier for you and your family. Our family dentistry in Middleton, Fitchburg, and other Dane County locations is right for you.

Dental Health Associates

At Dental Health Associates of Madison we are here to support you and your overall health and we create a personalized treatment plan for each and every patient. All of our dentists and staff will always be open and honest with you about your dental health, with a focus on preventative treatments and patient education.

Is brushing your teeth 3 times a day too much?

You should refrain from brushing more than three times a day, because brushing too often will wear down the enamel of your teeth. You must brush at least twice, but not more than three times a day.

Is brushing my teeth 4 times a day too much?

Although this is not always a bad thing, when you start brushing too much or for too long, you can ultimately damage your teeth. Brushing more than three times a day, and for longer than 2 minutes, can sometimes lead to your tooth enamel wearing down as well as cause damage to your gums.

Is it OK to brush teeth only once a day?

In fact, most experts say that even with just once-a-day brushing, it is already enough to keep bacteria and cavities at bay. Yes, you read it right. Brushing your teeth once a day is enough to maintain good oral health if it is done correctly.

Why brush teeth 2x a day?

Brushing twice daily helps prevent tartar buildup. When you brush twice a day, plaque can be removed before it hardens into position. While plaque is still soft, it can easily be brushed and flossed away. However, once it hardens, it remains in place until it is scraped away at your next dental cleaning.