3201: 5 Toothbrushing Frequently Asked Questions by Crystal Raypole with Healthline on Oral Health

[00:00:00] This is Optimal Living Daily Episode 3201, 5 Toothbrushing FAQs by Crystal Raypole with Healthline.com and I'm Justin Malik, your personal narrator, except on the extra Sunday bonus episodes where I share an episode from another podcast in the Optimal Living Daily network.

[00:00:20] Today's coming from my brother's show, Optimal Health Daily. You can find and follow or subscribe to Optimal Health Daily wherever you're listening to this. Now let's get right to the bonus episode as we optimize your life. 5 Toothbrushing FAQs by Crystal Raypole with Healthline.com

[00:00:43] Oral health is a key part of overall wellness. You can help improve your oral health with regular brushing, which helps to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, prevent cavities, lower your risk of gum disease, and lower your risk of certain oral cancers.

[00:01:01] Brushing habits differ from person to person, but experts recommend brushing twice each day for at least two minutes at a time. Along with brushing frequency, it's also important to consider the way you brush your teeth, the kind of brush you use, and other factors.

[00:01:18] Listen on to learn more about recommended brushing habits, including the ideal amount of time to spend brushing and good toothbrushing techniques. 1. How long should I brush my teeth? Current recommendations from the American Dental Association, or ADA, encourage brushing for two minutes twice per day.

[00:01:38] If you spend less than two minutes brushing, you won't remove as much plaque from your teeth. If two minutes sounds much longer than what you've been doing, you're not alone. According to the authors of a 2009 study, most people only brush for about 45 seconds.

[00:01:54] The study looked at how brushing time affected plaque removal in 47 people. The results suggest that increasing brushing time from 45 seconds to 2 minutes may help remove up to 26% more plaque. 2. How should I brush my teeth?

[00:02:13] Along with making sure to brush your teeth for the recommended amount of time, it's also important to use a good brushing technique. The American Dental Association has developed these guidelines for proper brushing. 1. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.

[00:02:30] 2. Brush with short strokes about the width of one tooth. 3. Move your toothbrush back and forth along the outside surfaces of your teeth, applying gentle pressure as you brush. 4. Use back-and-forth motion to brush along the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

[00:02:49] 5. To properly brush the inner surfaces of your teeth, hold your toothbrush vertically and brush up and down along the insides of your teeth. 6. Brush your tongue using a few back-to-front strokes to remove bad breath-causing bacteria. 7. Rinse your toothbrush after you use it.

[00:03:09] And 8. Store your toothbrush in an upright position. If your partner, roommate, or family members store their toothbrushes in the same place, make sure your toothbrushes don't touch each other. Let your toothbrush air dry instead of storing it in a closed toothbrush holder.

[00:03:26] It's also a good idea to floss once each day before brushing. Flossing helps remove particles of food and plaque between your teeth that you can't reach with just your toothbrush. 3. When's the best time to brush my teeth? Some dentists may recommend brushing after each meal.

[00:03:44] In general, though, if you're brushing twice a day, you'll probably brush once in the morning and once before you go to bed. If you typically brush after eating breakfast, try to wait at least an hour after you eat to brush your teeth.

[00:03:56] Waiting to brush is even more important if you eat or drink something acidic, such as citrus or coffee. Brushing too soon after having acidic foods or drinks can remove the enamel from your teeth that's been weakened by the acid.

[00:04:10] If you're planning to have orange juice for breakfast, for example, and don't have time to wait an hour, consider brushing your teeth before eating. If that's not an option, rinse your mouth with some water after breakfast and chew sugar-free gum until an hour has passed.

[00:04:25] 4. Can you brush your teeth too much? Brushing your teeth three times a day or after each meal likely won't damage your teeth. However, brushing too hard or too soon after eating acidic foods can. Aim to use a light touch when brushing.

[00:04:44] If you might feel like you're deep cleaning your teeth by brushing forcefully, it can actually wear down your tooth enamel and irritate your gums. Brush check. Not sure if you're brushing too hard? Take a look at your toothbrush. If the bristles are flattened, you're probably brushing too hard.

[00:04:59] It's also probably time for a new toothbrush. 5. What kind of toothbrush should I be using? It's best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth.

[00:05:10] Using a hard-bristled toothbrush may lead to receding gums and damaged enamel, especially if you tend to use a lot of pressure when you brush. Replace your toothbrush as soon as the bristles begin to bend, fray, and wear out.

[00:05:24] Even if the bristles don't seem to be frayed, it's a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Manual or electric? A 2014 literature review looked at data from 51 trials and suggests that electric toothbrushes may be more effective than manual brushes.

[00:05:42] The best results came from electric toothbrushes with rotating heads. Still, your daily brushing habits matter more than the type of brush you use. Opt for whatever's most comfortable for you or will make you more likely to brush for the recommended two minutes twice a day.

[00:06:00] For example, if you tend to brush on the go, a manual brush is probably your best option. But if you're motivated by that extra clean feeling, a good electric toothbrush with rotating heads might be a better option. The bottom line?

[00:06:16] Brushing your teeth regularly is a key way to improve oral health. Aim to gently brush at least twice each day for two minutes each time. Experts also recommend regular professional cleanings, both to keep your teeth clean and to catch early signs of tooth or gum issues requiring treatment.

[00:06:38] You just listened to the post titled, 5 Toothbrushing FAQs by Crystal Raepel with Healthline.com Dr. Neil here for my commentary. It goes without saying that a lot of people don't know where to start when it comes to investing.

[00:06:52] Many think you need a lot of money to invest, and some put off investing because it doesn't seem urgent. Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. You don't need a lot of money or expertise to invest with Acorns.

[00:07:06] In fact, you can get started with just your spare change. Acorns recommends an expert-built portfolio that fits you and your money goals, then automatically invests your money for you.

[00:07:17] And I love Acorns because I feel that this type of automation is exactly the boost needed for the many people who like the idea of investing, but haven't felt ready to begin for whatever reason.

[00:07:28] I've been there, and I know how relieving it can be to finally get over the hump, wishing I'd started sooner. So head to Acorns.com slash old or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today.

[00:07:41] Paid non-client endorsement. Compensation provides incentive to positively promote Acorns. Investing involves risk. Acorns Advisors LLC and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. View important disclosures at Acorns.com slash OLD. As a kid, and probably like most kids, I used to dread going to the dentist.

[00:07:59] I swear I'd have nightmares about it. But now I actually look forward to it. I see it as a competition with myself. Can I get a better report back from my dentist than my last checkup?

[00:08:10] Look, I already know, I'm a huge nerd, you don't need to remind me. Now, I do find I prefer a manual toothbrush over an electric one. Now, to be sure I brush for the recommended two minutes, I'll play a song or a video clip.

[00:08:24] And when that clip or song is over, I know I've hit the two-minute mark and maybe even gone over. And something else that today's author Crystal mentioned that is super important.

[00:08:34] Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time is super important, but what may be even more important is flossing. So, please don't forget to floss as well. That alone will make your dentist very happy, I promise. Alright, that'll do it for me for today.

[00:08:51] I'll be back here tomorrow as usual for our Friday Q&A. So definitely come back for that where your optimal life awaits.