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Why do dentists always recommend to brush 2 times for 2-3 minutes? (lemmy.zip)

submitted 1 year ago by wolf@lemmy.zip to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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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?

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[–] wolf@lemmy.zip 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

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.)

[–] soupcat@sopuli.xyz 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I only floss when I can't get something out from my teeth, but I hate the feeling of things in my teeth so I often take a drink of water and aggressively rinse and like force the water through my teeth. Never had any dental issues, so 🤷

[–] BolexForSoup@kbin.social 4 points 1 year ago

I got a waterpick six months ago and at my most recent dental cleaning they complimented me on how fantastic my teeth looked. Honestly, it feels incredibly refreshing to use. I use it with 50% water, 50% mouthwash.

[–] Admetus@sopuli.xyz 3 points 1 year ago

And stuff like meat getting stuck leads to pain in the gums and a nasty odour which is indeed rotting meat. Definitely getting that out!

[–] BolexForSoup@kbin.social 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

[–] wolf@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Wait, so the summary states clearly, that a.) flossing is effective b.) mouth rinsing is more effective?!? It seems to good to be true, why does not every producer of mouth rinsing make advertisement with this? I also always ask my dentists about tips for dental hygiene, and none every recommend mouth rinsing. (Germany)

[–] willya@lemmyf.uk 2 points 1 year ago

Some of the newer rinses keep plaque at bay for quite awhile. It’s incredibly obvious when I happen to run out before buying a new bottle.