For many of us, brushing our teeth is a mantra, a way to cleanse ourselves of the grit and grime that builds up over the course of the day (or night). For others, it’s a necessary evil, a chore that they wish they didn’t have to bother with. Regardless of what side you stand on, we all know how vital brushing is to keep our teeth clean and healthy. Are you really brushing them how often you SHOULD be brushing them though?
How Long Should I Brush My Teeth For?
Many dentists and hygienists agree that proper brushing should take at least two minutes, with a more thorough brushing lasting about 3 minutes.
It’s important to note though, that brushing for too long may also be an issue. However, it should be noted that the issue isn’t whether you brush for too long, but rather the amount of force you are brushing with. Using too much pressure when you brush can lead to abrasion of your enamel and gum tissue, which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
What Kind Of Toothbrush Should I Use?
We understand that it may be incredibly confusing walking through the health aisles at the supermarket and seeing the insane variety of toothbrushes available.
Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric one. What really matters is the whether the bristles of the toothbrush are soft or hard. Soft bristles are almost always better than hard, as the flexibility of these bristles allow them to get underneath the gums correctly to clean them better than hard bristled toothbrushes have the capacity for.
How Often Should I Brush?
Surprisingly, many people only brush once a day, which isn’t enough to protect and clean your entire mouth for a whole 24 hours. Twice a day is the bare minimum, one in the morning and once at night, gives the most time coverage for keeping your teeth clean.
If you feel like you need to, brushing after each meal is also an alternative to make sure that food doesn’t get stuck in your teeth and stay there for several hours.
