Taking good care of your teeth is a must. As we age, our teeth begin to change, and without proper oral health care, issues can arise. One of the most important factors to oral health is brushing your teeth. So, for how long should you be brushing your teeth? Are you taking the proper amount of time to care for your teeth?
Two to Three Minutes
Most dentists will agree that patients need to spend at least two minutes brushing their teeth. One can take one minute for the upper teeth and one minute for the lower teeth. In general, most people are not spending this amount of time brushing their teeth. Most of us judge time differently and may only be brushing for a minute or less.
To keep track of time, use a timer in the bathroom. Little kids love using the timer, and this is a great way to ensure that their teeth are brushed correctly for the right amount of time. For another option, consider purchasing an electronic toothbrush that has a self-timer. This will make teeth brushing even more productive.
Proper Brushing
It is also important to know the proper way to brush your teeth. Use short strokes and brush down on the top teeth and up on the bottom teeth. You want to move the brush around every surface of each tooth, including the top part of the tooth. The tip of the brush can be used to reach the areas behind the teeth and flossing should always end the brushing routine.
By taking the right amount of time to brush your teeth and brushing properly, you are ensuring quality oral health for years to come. If you have more questions about proper brushing techniques, contact Regent Dental today to learn more!
