If this seems like an odd questions, I would like to challenge you to keep reading. You might be surprised to find that you have been brushing your teeth wrong. As children, learning to brush our teeth is one of the first things we learn to do for ourselves and how you learn to brush as a child is probably the same way you’ve been brushing ever since. There are a number of essential facts about teeth brushing that most people don’t know. Let’s try a little quiz:
True or false: You should brush your teeth right after eating.
False. Brushing your teeth right after eating can damage enamel and help toxins and bacteria penetrate the surface.
True or false: You should always brush for at three to four minutes each time.
True. Most people think two minutes is more than enough time to get teeth thoroughly clean, but most holistic / natural dental practitioners recommend brushing three to four minutes at least twice, even three times, a day.
True or false: Flossing is an essential part of your daily dental hygiene routine.
True. You probably knew this already, but do you do it twice a day? Gum disease can be exacerbated by food rotting at the gumline, where brushing can’t remove it.
True or false: Any commercial toothpaste will get your teeth clean.
False. Many commercial toothpastes contain toxic chemicals that can harm your health, interfere with healthy development, and can even cause cancer. These chemicals are not necessary to getting your teeth clean and you can make your own with just a few simple ingredients that most people already have on hand.
How did you do? If any of these surprised you, then it’s time to make some changes to your oral care routine. Fortunately, it’s not all that difficult when you know what you need to do.
