Are You Brushing Long Enough? How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth and Other Oral Care Concerns

A group of dental hygiene students in Miami was puzzled over something on their first day of class: How many minutes it takes to brush your teeth correctly. “I think it’s one minute, that seems like enough time,” the first student said. The second student shook her head: “I remember that it has something to do with that ‘Happy Birthday song. I think you sing it, like, two times? No, wait, three times maybe?” The third student chimed in: “I remember my orthodontist telling me about this – you should brush your teeth for two minutes.”

The third student had it right – if you want to make sure that you’re cleaning your teeth completely, you should brush your teeth for a full two minutes each time you brush. To be sure you’re brushing for two minutes, you can set a kitchen timer or stopwatch, use your phone to time yourself, brush for the length of a short song, or do whatever else works for you. But if you don’t brush your teeth regularly, or for a long enough time, bits of food and plaque may remain on your teeth — creating a breeding ground for the bacteria that can cause tooth decay. The American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends cleaning between your teeth every day, using dental floss, irrigators, or interdental brushes to help prevent cavities and gum disease.

It is important for everyone to keep their teeth clean, but if you have braces you may have to take extra care of your teeth. At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we know the importance of a healthy smile. Some South Florida patients may have a hard time cleaning around their braces or flossing between wires. As a patient at the Miami, Brickell, or Weston office of Dr. Yazji, your orthodontist can discuss oral care with you, and work with you to develop a teeth-cleaning regimen that works for you while you’re wearing braces.

Straight Teeth

Patients often have questions about braces, such as “How long will I wear braces?” and “Are braces comfortable?” Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics provides a variety of services to South Florida patients looking for straight teeth – including Insignia Advanced Smile Design braces. Insignia Advanced Smile Design uses the latest advancements in orthodontic technology to create customized braces that are smaller and more comfortable than traditional braces. Insignia braces are tailored to your needs and allow for a faster treatment time than you’d have with traditional braces. And clear Insignia braces are even available, so your braces will be barely noticeable as you get a straight smile.

The orthodontic team at the office of Dr. Maria Yazji is here to help patients in Miami and the South Florida area get great smiles. See what our patients have to say about their treatment and their new smiles, and let us help you get a straight, healthier smile too. Contact us to set up an appointment for an Insignia Advanced Smile Design consultation with Dr. Yazji, or for another orthodontic service you need. Let Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics help you keep your teeth healthy as you get your best smile with Insignia braces.