With all the new regulations and things going on in 2021, there is a lot of change that has happened.  It is now really complicated fights going on and it means that we are all in a fight for health. This can add a lot of extra time during the day due to a lack of driving to work.  It can also lead to better or worse habits due to the change of routine as well.  One area that has been huge is this year is your dental health.  With the change in regulations and now many people have to wear a face mask to leave their home we are noticing our breath and dental health so much more. We need to make sure that we are staying healthy and also taking the right steps to be successful in our health. 

Did you know that in general Americans are not very healthy? It is true and that is what we generally are. We all tell our dentist that we are brushing 2 to 3 times a day, but in reality, the truth is much much less.  It is indeed an average that is below what is recommended by our medical professionals.  The average person brushes their teeth once a day.  This is due to a lack of time and just consistent habits.  The reality is that many people brush before or after they go to work or to bed.  That is the time they are most likely to get into a habit.  I have found that this amount of brushing is not the worst thing in the world.  In fact, as long as you are doing multiple cleaning visits with your dentist each year that is most likely an acceptable amount of brushing. Each of us needs to be in the best health possible.  

It is worth listening to the American Dental Association.   I think that the amount you should probably be brushing on average is twice a day and the ADA agrees.  This is usually done for most people in the morning and the evening before they go to bed.  This time span is usually enough to protect your teeth a good amount.  This amount of cleaning added to a normal routine of visiting your dentist is most likely all you need to prevent major issues.  But if you are still not getting it cleaned and inspected bi-yearly you may be in trouble of missing major issues that could be occurring.  Now with COVID-19 and the pandemic in full swing, I find that it is perfect to up your normal routine and go the extra mile. 

The pandemic in some ways gave us more time at home.  It also gave us much more time to do what we wanted without travel.  t is definitely possible to gain an extra brushing each day especially if you are working from home.  I find that being able to brush up to three times a day is ideal.  If you can add in an after-lunch brushing you can protect your teeth for an even longer amount of time.  It really is a cool thing to be able to keep your teeth protected by your toothpaste for the long haul all day long.  Now it is suggested that you still floss once a day and use mouthwash in order to fully protect yourself.  Best of luck on your health journey.