With people running busy lives and having something to do nearly every minute of every day, taking the time to properly brush teeth has been lagging in the United States with most people taking far less than two full minutes each time they brush their teeth. The Mayo Clinic says about 85 percent of people in the United States have some form of gum disease, which is a clear indication that most do not take the time to care for their teeth the right way. A big reason is the hurried lifestyles most people now live, particularly families with school-age children at home who need to catch various school buses and go to different extracurricular activities.
Many Brush at Least Twice but Not Long Enough
People typically take about a minute or so to brush their teeth, which is much too short for full dental hygiene. The Mayo Clinic advises brushing for at least two minutes at a time and preferably three minutes to allow the toothpaste to take its full effect and remove as much plaque and germs as possible. Regular use of mouth washes that disinfect teeth and gums and provide fluoride also help a great deal. Using a soft-bristle brush also helps by not irritating the gums and reducing the gum line, which can happen when brushing too hard with toothbrushes that have stiff bristles.
Need to Brush Every Few Hours
While nearly everyone brushes at least once per day and many at least twice, those who brush three or more times per day generally have the best oral health. Tooth decay is nearly non-existent among those who brush at least three times a day on a regular basis, and gum disease is far less prevalent. Unfortunately, less than 10 percent of the population brush at least three times per day, which is reflected in the Mayo Clinic’s report of 85 percent of people having some form of gum disease.
How often and how long do you tend to brush your teeth each day?