If there is one thing that all dentists universally agree on it’s that you should brush your teeth for two minutes every time you pick up a brush. In fact, I’ve never heard a dentist suggest anything otherwise – or my mom, for that matter. It seems like yesterday I was eight-years old standing in the bathroom with my mom peeking her head around the door and reminding me that I had to keep going until I’d brushed for a full two minutes. It seemed like a pain at the time, but it’s probably the reason I still have all my teeth!
Unfortunately, most of us are in far too much of a rush to get out of the door in the morning to make sure that we’re taking proper care of our teeth and gums. I’d be surprised if more than 10% of the population is brushing their teeth for the required two minutes every time. I’m just as guilty as the next guy, and don’t get me started on flossing!
The Two Minute Warning
For the NFL fans reading this article you’re probably more likely to associate the two minute warning with the last two minutes of either half of a football game, but what I’m actually referring to here is the warning your dentist gives you if you don’t brush for two minutes every time. At least in the words of my dentist, “If you don’t want to be visiting me every couple of months to have another cavity filled, it’s best to stick to the recommended two minutes every time you brush”.