We love seeing you every six months for a dental cleaning, but that isn’t enough to maintain a healthy smile. You really need to follow a dental hygiene routine in order to prevent things like decay, infection, and discoloration of your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends your six month cleaning, flossing every evening, and brushing for two minutes every morning and evening. That’s a total of four minutes that you will be brushing everyday. It can be difficult to get that time in, so we’ve put together a list of tips to help you get your four minutes!
1) Use That Smartphone!
Most people are carrying a small computer in their pocket these days. That smartphone is great for helping you remember all sorts of things, including brushing your teeth! Set an alarm to go off in the morning and in the evening. You can even add a message to yourself! Then, use the timer app to make sure you are getting a full two minutes at each brushing.
2) Grab Accountability
Grab a loved one or friend (bonus points if they live in your home with you) and do this challenge together! Brush at the same time, and help one another time those four minutes. Having accountability is a great way to make sure things get done!
3) Grab a New Toothbrush
Toothbrush companies are on board with the two minute brushing session! They have created automatic toothbrushes that won’t turn off until they’ve been running for two minutes! This ensures that you will get the recommended brushing time without having to think about it!
Your oral hygiene routine is the most important thing for your overall oral health. Next time you brush your teeth, time yourself. We would almost guarantee that you aren’t hitting that two minute mark! If you’re very bold, let us know your time at your next appointment! Contact us to set it up! We’d love to hear how your four minutes are going. See you soon!
