05 Feb How Often Do You Really Need to Brush Your Teeth?
At the end of a long day, it’s tempting to skip brushing your teeth and fall into bed. Is brushing twice a day really necessary? Will it really be that bad if you just wait until morning? Here’s what your dentist wishes you knew about good brushing habits and why they’re so important to your dental health.
How Often Do You Need to Brush Your Teeth?
Daily brushing removes plaque. It’s the best way to protect your teeth against cavities and gum disease in between your checkups and cleanings. It only takes 24 hours for plaque to start hardening into tartar. So if you skip brushing for a day, you’re increasing your risk of cavities and gingivitis. That’s why brushing every morning and evening will give you the best chance at maintaining a beautiful smile that will last the rest of your life.
Is Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day Really Necessary?
Morning and before-bed brushing gives you a chance to re-set your oral health by sweeping away overnight bacterial film and a day’s worth of food and drink particles that would otherwise feed bacteria for several hours.
While once-a-day brushing might seem like enough, it actually gives harmful bacteria a chance to gain a foothold in affecting your teeth and gums, and that can accumulate over time.
People with orthodontic appliances like braces have an even higher risk of cavities and gum disease and may need more than twice-daily brushing. In that case, keeping a small travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag or stored at your desk can make a significant difference in your oral health because it makes brushing convenient when you’re away from home.
What Are the Best Times of Day to Brush Your Teeth?
Once you lean into brushing twice daily, it’s important to choose the right times of day to do it. Generally, when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed at night are the best times to brush your teeth. However, finding a time that works for you and fits your schedule is also important.
- Brushing in the morning before breakfast freshens your breath and removes harmful plaque while also jump-starting saliva production. It’s also a great opportunity to make bushing a family activity, showing children the importance of good oral hygiene habits by demonstrating them yourself.
- Nighttime brushing lifts away the plaque that builds up throughout the day, especially if you’ve had sugary foods or drinks and haven’t brushed all day.
- Middle of the day brushing makes sense if you’ve been eating or drinking anything sugary or acidic. Just remember to wait at least 15-30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth.
Brushing Is a Key Part of Dental Care
While brushing and flossing twice a day is typically the best way to take care of your teeth, our dentists are always ready to provide personalized guidance. Saba and Chiappetti Associates welcomes any questions you have about proper dental care habits.
Whether you need help with brushing techniques or choosing the right combination of toothbrush and toothpaste, we can give you advice based on your habits and your oral health. Contact us to make an appointment today.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 02/05/2026