Dr. Michelle Jorgensen

July 18, 2024

We’ve all heard the twice-a-day daily brushing gospel for years…

But what if I told you there might be a more efficient way to achieve a sparkling smile?

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day with proper techniques to maintain optimal oral health. Additionally, using hydroxyapatite tooth powder is crucial for maintaining dental health and preventing cavities. But…let’s explore the concept of brushing your teeth once a day, the right way.

Now, before you skip ahead to the comments to tell me I’m crazy, hear me out!

The idea here isn’t to ditch brushing twice a day altogether (although, we’ll get to that verdict later). The key is to focus on the quality of your brushing routine, rather than just the number of times you do it.

When you brush your teeth, it’s crucial to clean all surfaces, including the chewing surfaces, to ensure effective plaque removal.

Here’s a few things to keep in mind…

First things first, ditch those harsh bristle brushes! Soft bristles are gentler on your gums and just as effective at removing plaque buildup. Electric or manual toothbrush?

That’s totally up to you. Both are equally good as long as all tooth surfaces are cleaned. Choose a brush that feels comfortable in your hand and that you’ll actually use. Research shows that both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective, but some people find it easier to clean their teeth with an electric toothbrush.

These are two of the best toothbrushes on the market. The bamboo toothbrush comes in kids, travel, and adult sizes. Pick which one works the best for you!

Let’s talk about what you’re putting on that brush. Many commercial toothpastes are loaded with unnecessary ingredients and artificial flavors – things you wouldn’t want to swallow! Especially fluoride! Consider a natural tooth powder.

Look for ingredients that clean effectively without harming your precious enamel or dentin. Bonus points if the powder strengthens your teeth and soothes your gums at the same time! The tooth powder I created does both!

It can remineralize (heal) cavities that haven’t reached the dentin and strengthen your gums and teeth. Check it out below:

Mouthwash is a great way to help heal, clean, and protect your mouth. But ONLY if you use the right kind. A lot of mouthwash also have toxic ingredients that not only dry out your mouth but cause problems for your mouth biome, killing good and bad bacteria.

The mouthwash I use is pretty much magic. It goes in, does it’s job by killing the bad bugs, then gets out. It doesn’t have any alcohol (yay! No dry mouth), freshens your breath, and my favorite part….it remineralizes your teeth!

Have you ever had a mouthwash that can help take care of small cavities? This one does the very thing!

Moistens your mouth, soothes, gets rid of bad bacteria, protects teeth, heals cavities, and more! It’s time to try it! There’s cool mint and fresh citrus flavors. Click on this image to grab yours!

Now, these recommendations are my favorites! Some of them I have created myself because I was tired of not finding what I wanted for my family and patients on the market. If you can find other ones, then great! But follow the guidelines above to make sure your mouth is staying clean and healthy!

Dental health and dental hygiene are crucial for maintaining overall health. Tooth brushing is undeniably important for preventing plaque buildup and maintaining good oral hygiene, but it’s only one act in the play. If you brush your teeth and then accomplish the 3 steps below, you’ll only need to do it once a day.

Flossing is a great way to clean between teeth, but it’s not the only option in town. If you find flossing frustrating, there are interdental brushes, water picks, and even special flossing picks that can help you reach those hidden spaces.

The key is to remove plaque and debris wherever it might be hiding! Consuming sugary foods can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Cleaning the gum line is essential to prevent gum disease and maintain healthy gums. Here’s my favorite floss:

Our tongues harbor a surprising amount of bad bacteria and fungus. Think about it – all that delicious food we enjoy leaves a little something behind. A tongue scraper is your knight in shining armor, removing this buildup and leaving your breath fresher and your taste buds happier. Cleaning your tongue also contributes to keeping your mouth healthy.

We talked a little about mouthwash above, but don’t forget the positive benefit the right mouthwash can be to your oral health. Look for one that kills bacteria, soothes your gums, and freshens your breath. Ideally, this mouthwash should complement your toothpaste, like one containing hydroxyapatite to further strengthen your teeth.

Mouthwash plays a significant role in maintaining healthy teeth by reducing plaque and preventing cavities. Check it out here.

If you follow this comprehensive 4-step routine ONCE a day, you can achieve a healthy and clean mouth. Brushing twice a day can still be beneficial, especially if you feel you need the extra refreshment throughout the day. Proper brushing helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. But for those who struggle to squeeze in two brushing sessions, this approach offers an alternative path to optimal oral health.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum diseases, which may impact overall health, including heart disease and complications during pregnancy. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups is essential for reducing these risks and promoting overall well-being.