According to the American Dental Association (ADA), individuals should brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft toothbrush. However, other research has shown that this may not be the optimal duration for effectively removing plaque and maintaining oral health. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene found that three minutes of brushing was more effective at removing plaque than two minutes. So what’s the best amount of time to brush your teeth? This article will discuss how long you should brush your teeth for the best dental hygiene and why this is a problem.
What do Studies Say about How Long You Should Brush your Teeth?
In 2009, the journal of dental hygiene published a study about brushing your teeth. The study compared the amount of plaque removed at different brushing durations and found the following:
- There is no difference in plaque removal between 45 and 60 seconds of brushing
- 120 seconds of brushing removed 26% more plaque than 45 seconds
- 180 seconds of brushing removed 55% more plaque than 45 seconds.
The authors of the study concluded that oral health care professionals should encourage patients to brush for longer than 45 seconds and reach at least the two-minute consensus.
However, despite the study’s recommendation for a brushing time of two minutes, the results clearly indicate that three minutes is superior. Our personal recommendation is to brush your teeth for 3-minutes to maximize your oral health. However, the ADA still recommends brushing for two minutes, as do other dental associations such as the Australian Dental Association and the NHK. The exact origin of this recommendation is unclear, but one theory is that it originated from a study on electric toothbrushes, which found no additional benefits to brushing beyond two minutes. Another possible reason is that most people never brush their teeth for more than two minutes, so two minutes is the most achievable goal.
Why the 3-Minute Brushing Time is a Problem
There are many problems that studies and recommendations like these bring to light, and they may not be what you think.
People Know They Have to Brush Their Teeth…But Don’t
The first problem is that the average brushing time for Americans is only 45 seconds, which is far less than the recommended two minutes. A study on the socio-behavioral determinants of oral hygiene practices among different age and ethnic groups in the US found that participants were aware of the recommended brushing duration but felt that it was too long and unrealistic. Many reported brushing for only 30 seconds, and some even brushed for as little as 10 seconds. The problem isn’t awareness; it’s motivation and engagement.
To help stay engaged in brushing your teeth for the full three minutes, consider trying the following:
- Reading information about the consequences of not brushing your teeth. This includes the different stages of tooth decay as well as information showing how the less you clean your teeth, the more dental procedure will cost. This will help to keep you motivated and may help your motivation last long enough for three minutes.
- Another approach is to make the brushing process more enjoyable and engaging, especially for younger children. This can be done by providing a variety of toothbrushes with different colours, sizes, and shapes, as well as toothpaste flavors and mouthwash scents. This can make brushing more fun and enjoyable and encourage people to brush for longer.
- Another effective strategy is to provide feedback and reinforcement to encourage longer brushing. This can be done through the use of brushing timers (or songs) and other technology, such as smart toothbrushes and mobile apps, that provide real-time feedback and rewards for brushing for the recommended duration. This can help individuals to develop the habit of brushing for longer and maintain good oral health.
Brushing Your Teeth Is About QUALITY and Time
In addition to the inadequate brushing duration, many individuals do not brush their teeth properly. Just because you put a lot of time into brushing your teeth doesn’t mean you’re doing it correctly. This is the exact same thing that happens when people try to get fit by spending hours in the gym or running on the treadmill, but are not doing exercises correctly.
The ADA recommends using a soft toothbrush with a small head for better access to the back teeth, and brushing in a circular motion to effectively clean the teeth and gums. However, many people brush too hard, use a toothbrush with medium or hard bristles, or brush in a back-and-forth motion, which can damage the teeth and gums. This can result in bleeding gums and receding gums. It’s not only about how long you brush your teeth but how well you do it.
To maintain proper oral hygiene and keep your teeth healthy, remember to do the following:
- Use a soft toothbrush with a small head for better access to the back teeth
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums
- Use a circular motion to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth
- Brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen the breath
- Spit out the toothpaste, but do not rinse to allow the fluoride to remain on the teeth
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen the breath
- Replace the toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed
- Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleaning and examination.
Conclusion
To effectively remove plaque and maintain oral health, individuals should brush their teeth for at least three minutes, using a soft toothbrush and a circular motion. In addition, they should floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, and use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen their breath. Regular visits to the dentist are also important for professional cleaning and early detection of any dental problems. By following these guidelines, individuals can maintain good oral health and prevent tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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