Dentists are asked many questions, but one of the most common questions our dentist gets each year is about the length of time you need to brush each day. It is difficult to answer this question because while there is a specific time limit for many people, some need additional brushing time. Here is a general guideline about how long you should brush your teeth.
For Most People, the Answer Is Two Minutes
People without underlying conditions in their teeth and gums should brush for two minutes each time they brush. You should allot 30 seconds to brush each area: your front top teeth, the back of your top teeth, the front of your bottom teeth, and the back of your bottom teeth. If you cannot remember to keep track of your two-minute time limit, you can hum a bit of a song, such as Happy Birthday. Two rounds of Happy Birthday equals a two-minute time limit.
What If I Have Gum Disease?
There are three levels of gum disease, and no matter what stage you are at, you will need to take a little more time on your teeth and gums. If you have the first stage of gum disease, you will want to make sure you thoroughly brush your teeth at the gum line. Be sure you are brushing the front and back of each tooth. Thorough brushing is the best way to keep your gum disease in remission or cure it completely.
What About Braces?
If you are wearing braces, brushing and flossing your teeth takes much longer than two minutes. Braces, with all of their brackets and wires, are extremely difficult to keep clean. You will need to brush the front of your teeth carefully and use flossers to remove all of the trapped food particles.
If you are not sure about the amount of time you need to brush your teeth, we would love to help you. Why not give us a call today? We can schedule an appointment for you with our dentist.
Dentists are asked many questions, but one of the most common questions our dentist gets each year is about the length of time you need to brush each day. It is difficult to answer this question because while there is a specific time limit for many people, some need additional brushing time. Here is a general guideline about how long you should brush your teeth.