How Long Does It Take To Brush Your Teeth?

You should spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth, but do you know why? Brushing your teeth is an essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Most people tend to underestimate their brushing time, often spending less than the recommended two minutes.

By brushing and flossing twice per day for a brushing time of at least two minutes, you can prevent gum disease, remove plaque, and prevent tooth decay.

How long should you brush your teeth?

The recommended amount of time to brush your teeth is two minutes, so that you can be sure you have removed any food and plaque that has built up on your teeth since your last brushing. The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars found in our food, so removing both food and plaque is imperative for preventing tartar buildup. 

Tartar, also called calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone and can lead to permanent tooth decay and gum disease (such as gingivitis and periodontitis). Spending two minutes brushing is a little bit of work with a huge payoff.

Brushing too hard does not improve cleaning and can damage your gums and enamel.

What Does Brushing Do?

• Strengthens Tooth Enamel

Brushing is important for many reasons. Brushing strengthens your tooth enamel, making it less likely that you will suffer from tooth decay. Your dentist can repair mild tooth decay (better known as cavities), but if cavities are allowed to progress, they can lead to a list of problems, including swelling or pus around your tooth, damaged or broken teeth, chewing problems, and pain. 

In rare cases, severe cavities can evolve into a tooth abscess, which can cause a severe or even life-threatening infection.

• Transfers Ions

You may have heard of ionic toothbrushes. These brushes are part of a new generation of toothbrushes, and studies have shown that they can remove more plaque and reduce the amount of bleeding associated with gingivitis. Ionic toothbrushes use negatively charged ions to repel plaque from areas of the tooth that the brush can’t reach. 

This, in turn, allows you to remove more plaque than with an ordinary toothbrush. Negatively charged ions move from the brush’s shaft, through your hand, and to your teeth. There, they push the plaque off your teeth so it can be caught in your toothbrush bristles and removed.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Selecting the correct toothbrush is key to oral health. The variety available can make this choice difficult. 

Bristles: The American Dental Association recommends soft bristles.

• Why? They are gentle on gums and enamel, reducing sensitivity and recession.
• Effectiveness: Soft bristles effectively remove plaque and bacteria without damage.

Head Size: Opt for a small head.

• Benefit: Easier access to all mouth areas, including back teeth and inner surfaces.
• Result: Thorough cleaning of chewing surfaces and gum lines, critical for plaque removal.

Manual vs. Electric:

• Electric Toothbrushes: Often cited for better plaque removal and reduced gum disease risk, due to features like timers and pressure sensors.
• Manual Toothbrushes: Can be equally effective with proper technique, soft bristles, and a comfortable handle, provided you brush for two minutes, twice daily.

Essential Practices:

• Toothpaste: Always use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
• Technique: Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Use short strokes on all surfaces (outside, inside, and chewing).
• Flossing: Floss daily to remove food and bacteria between teeth.
• Dental Visits: Schedule regular professional cleanings and check-ups.

• Summary: A soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and consistent brushing/flossing habits are vital for lifelong dental health.

How Should I Brush My Teeth?

Proper brushing technique is key to keeping your teeth and gums happy and healthy. To ensure your teeth are getting cleaned thoroughly, make sure you:

Brush at least twice per day

Ideally, you should brush before bed and after each meal for optimal oral health. You should also brush after you eat anything sweet or sticky, and avoid letting food sit on or between your teeth.

Don’t rush

Make sure you are spending a minimum of two minutes. If you find yourself rushing, find a song that is at least two minutes long and play it while you brush your teeth, so you know you are spending the time you need to.

Use the proper technique

Start brushing at the gumline using a soft brush with gentle pressure. Hold your brush at a slight angle (about 45 degrees) and aim the bristles towards the section where your gums meet your teeth. Gently brush your teeth and gums with short back-and-forth strokes, and be sure to brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth as well as your tongue.

Be thorough and clean every surface

Make sure to clean the inner surfaces, outer surfaces, and chewing surfaces of each tooth to ensure comprehensive plaque removal.

Keep your toothbrush clean

Always rinse your toothbrush with water after you use it, and store it in an upright position so it can air dry. You should also make sure it is kept separately from other toothbrushes to avoid cross-contamination. 

When you travel, you likely have a container or cover that you use to keep your toothbrush clean. Do not store your brush in here after you use it, but instead let it air dry. This will prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast.

Replace your toothbrush regularly

Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or irregular. Worn-out toothbrushes are less effective and may not allow you to remove all the plaque and food from your teeth.

Brush Smarter, Smile Brighter

Consistent, two-minute brushing is a core component of at-home oral care. This investment significantly benefits your oral health. Complement your brushing with:

• Dietary Choices: Limit sugary drinks and be mindful of acidic foods/drinks, which can erode enamel. Rinse or drink water after consuming acidic items before brushing. Opt for water over sweetened beverages.
• Flossing: Use the effective C-shape technique for thorough interdental cleaning.
• Post-Brushing: Avoid rinsing immediately after brushing to maximize fluoride’s protective effect.

Professional Care: Regular dental hygienist visits for cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health.