Most of us probably learned how to brush our teeth very young. According to a Ladysmith dental specialist, the reason for this is that most parents begin cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as they are born and teach kids to brush their own teeth the moment they are coordinated enough to do it on their own.
While brushing your teeth every morning and evening is a habit for practically everyone, you might need to do it correctly. To prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease, which can escalate to even more serious dental health issues if neglected, you must thoroughly brush your teeth for at least two minutes.
According to a study published in The Journal of Dental Hygiene, the average person brushes their teeth for less than half the required duration or approximately 45 seconds. Does it affect anything? To that, experts say YES. According to the same study, two minutes of brushing cleared 26% more plaque than 45 seconds. That much plaque will eventually lead to dental cavities if it is consistently left on your teeth.
It’s crucial to remember that bacteria don’t simply reside on your teeth. They also cover the inside of your mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, and gums. You have more time to clean these areas of your mouth when brushing for a much more extended period.
How are you going to get to two minutes? Consider the four corners of your mouth. Top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right should each receive 30 seconds of attention. Two minutes will go by quickly if you try to brush every tooth and gum area on the outside and inside of the teeth.
Use two-minute intervals while brushing with kids, and choose a tune they’ll enjoy. You can even download a terrific phone app. However, the most important thing is that you set a good example for them by brushing correctly. It will be simpler for your child to take good care of their teeth if they witness you doing so.
In addition to how long you brush, how you also brush matters. To make the most of those two minutes of brushing, visit your dentist to be sure you and your child are using suitable methods. At Northwoods Dentistry, we would love to provide you and your child with tips that will effectively help you with your dental concerns.
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