I almost always read in the news/press that dentists recommend to brush teeth two times a day for 2-3 minutes.

This drives me crazy, because it does not make sense; The point for dental health is to systematical clean every surface of your teeth twice a day (and use inter-dental brushes/floss once a day). For me, brushing my teeth takes around 6 minutes, if I hurry up. For someone faster it might be possible in 1 minute.

So, why do dentists always give the 2-3 minutes recommendation?

  • rgb3x3@beehaw.org
    0·
    1 year ago

    Because it should take you about 2 minutes to brush your teeth.

    If you’re actually brushing for 6 minutes straight, you’re overdoing it and damaging your enamel and gums.

    Brush gently, floss thoroughly.

      • exscape@kbin.social
        1·
        1 year ago

        No, it’s not. I have never brushed my teeth too hard and have always used very soft toothbrushes, but I used to brush for 6-7 minutes, and my gums have suffered for it. Way too much of my teeth are now exposed, which is both ugly and causes sensitivity.
        In the long run, if one keeps this up, teeth will start falling out.

        Don’t overbrush.

        • wolf@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          I am sorry to read about your gum problems, fingers crossed it does not get worse!

    • wolf@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
      0·
      1 year ago

      Seriously, I have no idea how one could brush teeth in 2 minutes. I brush gently, use the simple swipe away from the gum technique and just work systematic chewing surfaces, inner surfaces, outer surfaces. Each part gets 2-3 swipes. I had a professional dental cleaner teach this technique to me, and she also told me that she couldn’t finish within 3 minutes. (Do not misunderstand me; I would happily get away with 2 minutes.) BTW flossing is another interesting topic, AFAIK there is no study which can show that flossing helps your teeth/gum. (I floss daily, but I just cannot understand why there is no study which supports this practice.)