(l) Oral hygiene, Importance of Brushing Teeth Twice Daily: dangers of Sweet and Oily Foods 19 10 25

1. Good oral hygiene is a crucial aspect of overall health. Brushing teeth twice a day—morning and before bedtime—helps prevent dental caries, gum disease, and bad breath. This practice becomes especially important in societies where consumption of sweet and oily foods, such as cakes, pastries, and fried snacks, is common.

2. Effects of Sweet Foods on Teeth

  • Sugar and Bacteria: When sugary foods like cakes, sweets, or soft drinks are consumed, bacteria in the mouth (mainly Streptococcus mutans) convert sugar into acid.

  • Tooth Decay: This acid erodes the enamel, leading to dental caries (tooth decay).

  • Plaque Formation: Sugar also helps bacteria form plaque, a sticky film that builds up on teeth.

Brushing twice daily removes plaque and neutralizes the acid before it causes permanent damage.
(*Featherstone, J.D.B., 2008, Journal of the American Dental Association)

3. Oily and Sticky Foods

  • Oily cakes and fried foods often stick to teeth surfaces and are difficult to remove by rinsing alone.

  • The combination of oil and sugar in foods such as cream cakes or donuts creates a layer where bacteria thrive.

  • Brushing after exposure to such foods helps remove the sticky residues, preventing bacterial accumulation and bad breath.

(*Marsh, P.D. & Martin, M.V., 2009, Oral Microbiology)

4. Why Twice a Day?

  • Morning brushing: Removes overnight bacterial buildup and freshens breath.

  • Night brushing: Essential because reduced saliva flow during sleep allows acids and bacteria to act longer on teeth.

  • Skipping night brushing significantly increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
    (CDC, 2023; ADA, 2020)

5. Long-term Health Importance

Poor oral hygiene is not limited to mouth problems. Studies have linked gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and digestive issues. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel and supports general health.
(*Tonetti & Jepsen, 2013, Journal of Clinical Periodontology)

6. Recommendations

  • Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

  • Limit sugary and oily snacks, especially between meals.

  • Rinse mouth with water after eating sweets or oily cakes if brushing is not possible.

  • Replace toothbrush every 3 months.

7. References

  1. Featherstone, J.D.B. (2008). "Dental caries: a dynamic disease process." Journal of the American Dental Association, 139(Suppl): 25S–34S.

  2. Marsh, P.D. & Martin, M.V. (2009). Oral Microbiology. 5th ed. Elsevier.

  3. American Dental Association (ADA). (2020). Brushing Your Teeth.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Oral Health Basics.

  5. Tonetti, M.S. & Jepsen, S. (2013). "Periodontitis and systemic diseases." Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 40(Suppl 14): S1–S3.