Question??? How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Hi, Dr. Branam:
I hope that you are doing well.
People say different things about how many times per day people should brush. Can you please tell me your opinion of how many times per day you should brush (via manual toothbrush and electric toothbrush), floss, and use oral water irrigation (for example, with a curved syringe)?

Thank you,
Jennifer

Jennifer,

Thank you for requesting my opinion about tooth brushing.   I will give you my experience and recommendations below.  
 
Ideally,  brushing your teeth twice daily, in the morning after breakfast and the last thing you do at night before bed would be best.   Bedtime brushing is the most important because the teeth will be "CLEAN" the whole time you sleep.   
 
I recommend using a manual toothbrush vs an electric toothbrush.  You want to cleanse (brush) your mouth, gums, and tongue.   Electric teeth primarily brush or polish the teeth alone.   Misuse or aggressive use of an electric toothbrush can sometimes irritate the gum line and push bacteria underneath the gum line.   Using a manual toothbrush, use a circular motion and brush the teeth and gums.   Every time you brush your teeth,  be sure to brush your tongue.   
 
Tooth decay and gum infection are diseases CAUSED BY BACTERIA.   These bacteria live on your teeth,  gums,  and tongue.   Polishing your teeth will only decrease one-third of the bacteria in your mouth.   If you want an electric toothbrush,  follow it up by finishing with a manual toothbrush.   
 
Frankly,  the Toothpaste you use is more critical than the toothbrush.   A Fluoride Toothpaste hardens the tooth enamel to resist the effects of the bacteria on the tooth's surface. It does not lower the bacteria on the tooth,  tongue, or gums.  The BEST Toothpaste is formulated with at least 30% XYLITOL by volume.  Xylitol reduces the level of disease-causing BACTERIA of the ENTIRE mouth.The use of Xylitol Toothpaste is three times better than using fluoride toothpaste alone.   
 
Oral irrigating devices are the least effective way to clean your teeth.   They may irritate the gums and "force" the bacteria into and below the gum line.  
 
The only Toothpaste on the market today PROPERLY formulated with XYLITOL Is Dr. Branam Xylitol toothpaste and gel.   They have been clinically tested in a hospital-based study and proven safe and effective for the entire family.  You can see the products and the clinical research at www.drbranamsxylitol.com. These products are safe to swallow and meant to be left in your mouth after brushing.   
 
I hope that this truthful and accurate information will be helpful to you.
 
Yours for better oral health,   Dr Steve Branam