Wondering how long you should brush your teeth in order to maintain good oral hygiene? To get the best results, you need to brush long enough to ensure that your teeth are actually clean. So, how long is long enough when brushing your teeth?
According to most dentists, you need to brush for two minutes. Here at Bridge Creek Dental, our dentists take this advice a bit further by advising our patients to brush for at least three minutes:
- One and a half minutes for your upper teeth
- One and a half minutes on your bottom teeth
Many people barely put one minute into brushing their teeth, let alone giving it three whole minutes. Yes, it can sound like a long time, especially when it comes to kids brushing their teeth. However, there are ways to make it a tad bit more interesting:
- Get a timer and place it in the bathroom while brushing
- Use self-timer electronic toothbrushes to keep you on track
Your #1 Priority is Proper Brushing Technique
You should know that the quality of your brushing techniques is much more important than quantity. Paying close attention to cleaning the surfaces of your teeth should be your main concern. Your #1 brushing priority needs to be having proper brushing technique:
- Always use short strokes when brushing. Move your toothbrush back and forth around every single tooth’s surface, and against both the teeth and the gums.
- Reach behind every one of your front teeth in order to brush the tops and bottoms. Do this using the toothbrush’s tip.
- And, never, ever forget to floss your teeth each time you brush. Flossing is just as important as brushing, as the brush can push food particles in between the teeth. Only dental floss can remove these particles.
Brush Your Teeth for 3 Minutes
Now, back to timing your teeth brushing time again. What happens if you don’t brush your teeth long enough? Well, your teeth may not get as clean as they need to be to stay healthy and strong. Also, leaving bacteria behind on your teeth can lead to periodontitis, tooth decay, gingivitis, and other serious oral health problems. Consistently missed spots of bacteria and food particles can lead to an excess of plaque and calcium buildup as well.
How Many Times to Brush Each Day?
So, how many times should you brush each day? Dentists currently recommend that you brush your teeth twice per day. However, to achieve the best oral hygiene results, some experts suggest that you softly brush three times each day, with the third tooth brushing session occurring after lunchtime.
Never allow too much time to build up in between brushings. If you do, you risk building up bacterial plaque, which will lead to gum inflammation and other oral health issues. Brushing three times every day can help to decrease this risk.
Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Much?
More is not always better when it comes to brushing your teeth. While brushing your teeth three times a day for two minutes can help improve your oral health, going over this amount can lead to damage. For one thing, too frequent teeth brushing can wear down your enamel, allowing for more of the yellow dentin layer of your teeth to show through. This problem can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry, but it is better not to need it at all.
When it comes to brushing your teeth, the main problem occurs when you apply too much pressure as you brush your teeth. Putting too much pressure on your teeth can cause gum tissue and enamel abrasion. This will eventually lead to sensitive teeth and thinned enamel. To combat this, try brushing using your non-dominant hand instead.
Check In With Your Dentist To See If You Are Brushing Well
If you are doing all of the above, you are likely brushing your teeth long enough and with the right technique. However, you can’t really be sure how successful you have been at keeping your teeth healthy without going to your preventative dental cleanings.
By coming in to have your teeth cleaned and x-rayed by our dental staff, you can be sure that you are on track with your brushing and flossing. Also, if an issue comes up, it is far easier to take care of when the problem is small, rather than waiting until it becomes serious.
To schedule your dental cleaning, feel free to contact us today to set up your appointment. We look forward to helping you enjoy the healthiest, happiest smile possible!