Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice a Day

Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why brushing twice per day is best for children and adolescents.

Why your child should brush twice a day

Brushing the teeth is a key part of oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque that contains bacteria. This bacteria eats away at the teeth and gums, causing cavities and gum disease.

While brushing the teeth once a day is better than not brushing at all, it does not do enough to prevent plaque. Every time a child eats or drinks a beverage that is not water, they introduce more bacteria into the mouth. Twice-daily brushing ensures they remove as much plaque as possible without hurting the gums or enamel (the tooth’s outer layer).

Prevents stains

Certain foods and beverages, such as fruit juices, can stain enamel. These stains build up over time, making one’s smile appear yellow or brown. Regular teeth brushing can remove the offending food or drink to prevent staining.

Fights tartar buildup

When plaque remains on a tooth for too long, it hardens and becomes tartar (calculus). It is not possible to remove tartar through brushing, as regular brushes are not strong enough to do so. The parent will need to take their child to a pediatric dentist for safe and effective tartar removal.

Prevents bad breath

Without brushing, bacteria will remain on the teeth, eating away at the enamel and any food stuck between them. This process will cause bad breath. Brushing clears away that odor-causing bacteria. For fresher breath, patients should brush their teeth regularly rather than chowing down on mints.

Effective brushing techniques for children

How a child brushes their teeth is just as important as how often they do it. For starters, the child should use a soft-bristle brush to avoid hurting the gums. In most cases, soft brushes are stiff enough to remove plaque without causing damage. It is okay to use a hard-bristle brush occasionally to remove stains, but the child must take care not to apply too much pressure.

Brush for two minutes

Dentists recommend brushing for two minutes every single time. Brushing harder does not shorten the time; it takes two minutes to address each tooth thoroughly. Have the child start with the molars and brush every side of each tooth, moving down the line until each one is clean.

Use circular motions

While brushing up and down may feel more natural, the best way to clean the teeth is to move the brush in small, circular motions. This approach is more effective, ensuring the child gets the most out of their two-minute routine.