You know that brushing your and your child's teeth is key to maintaining your oral health. But how often should you be brushing? And why so often and long? Here, our Smile Town Burnaby dentists explain some of the whys and hows of brushing.
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends that you and your child brush your teeth at least one or two times per day (and always before bed) for a minimum of two minutes each time.
But why is this the recommended amount? And how are you supposed to fit that time into your busy schedule? Especially if your child doesn't enjoy brushing their teeth.
Why do I have to brush that often and for so long?
Brushing your teeth helps remove food and plaque from your teeth, preserving your and your child's enamel from the acids they produce.
The longer and more often you brush your teeth the better. In fact, the CDA recommends that people brush their teeth after every meal!
And while we may not all have the ability to do that, brushing at least once a day before bed is a good place to start.
Why Before Bed?
Saliva is our mouth's way of naturally washing away food and plaque. And while we sleep, our body doesn't generate as much of it.
So, if you clean your teeth before you sleep, there are less harmful food bits and bacteria in your mouth to damage your enamel.
Bedtime is also a good time to build brushing into you and your child's daily routine. You can use it to get some together-time at the end your busy day.
How Do I Brush Often and For Long Enough?
It can be difficult to find time for you and your child to feel motivated to brush your teeth. You may be tired after a long day and the extra bedtime step is just too much, or your child may be resistant to brushing and lfossing their teeth.
There are a few ways you can help you and your child find the time (and make sure it's enough time) to brush every day
Play A Song
it is easier to take the time to brush when you think about it as the length of your or your child's favourite 2-3 minute song. And there's the added benefit of a good soundtrack to your oral hygiene!
Brush as a Family
If you and your child brush together, you help keep each other accountable. It becomes a way to come together and spend some time with one another amidst your busy day.
Brush During Commercial Breaks
If your day starts or ends with watching a show together, you can time the brush to a commercial break. Plus, the race to and from the bathroom can add playfulness and excitement for you and your child.