Do you know the “happy birthday song” trick for making sure you wash your hands long enough? It would be nice if other forms of daily hygiene had a similar scheme to help us get them right. Brushing your teeth is another one of those tasks that we’re supposed to do for a set amount of time, but knowing when you’re done can be tricky. For how long should you brush your teeth, and how can you best keep track?
For How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?
By now, most of us have heard of the “happy birthday song” trick for washing your hands. To get your hands as clean and germ-free as possible, doctors recommend washing them for at least thirty seconds in warm, soapy water. If you sing the happy birthday song twice while washing your hands, you’ll know you have met the time limit. Easy enough, right?
Hand washing is not the only hygienic task that benefits from a little extra time. Believe it or not, you probably aren’t brushing your teeth as much as you need to in order to get the full benefit of your daily dental hygiene. So, for how long should you brush your teeth, and how can you make sure you do it right?
How Long Does It Take To Brush Your Teeth Properly?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should follow the “two by two” rule when brushing your teeth. For maximum benefit, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day, for at least two minutes at a time. Of course, you can brush your teeth more than that if you want to or need to. However, if you’ve just realized you’re brushing less than that, it’s time to make a change!
How Can I Make Sure I’m Brushing My Teeth for the Right Amount of Time?
If your oral hygiene needs a little brush-up, don’t panic. Inadequate toothbrushing is actually a widespread dental hygiene issue, and it’s one you can quickly address with a few simple adjustments:
- Use a timer to ensure you’re brushing your teeth for the full two minutes every single time. Set a stopwatch on your phone, or consider purchasing an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer.
- If a timer feels boring, add some fun to your daily brushing by finding a two-minute song you can use as a timing tool instead. Music can also be an excellent tool for teaching time limits to children, so why not get the whole family in on the fun?
- Don’t undermine your brushing time with poor technique. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle with gentle, short strokes. Be sure to brush not just the outsides of the teeth but also the tops and insides. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to avoid gum irritation and get the most out of your brushing routine.
- You can also improve your oral hygiene by making small lifestyle changes, like cutting sugary snacks and other foods that cause tooth decay. Be sure to floss at least once daily, and don’t miss your regular dentist appointments. These small changes can add up to a significant positive outcome for you and your smile.
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For how long should you brush your teeth? The experts agree that two minutes of brushing twice daily will meet your dental hygiene needs.
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!