I wanted to say a few words about homecare because, in my mind, it's that important. I had a patient ask me: "Do I really have to brush for two minutes? I think one minute is enough!" I advised her that two minutes is really necessary to do a thorough cleaning with the toothbrush. And it's not just my idea. If you purchase one of the better electric toothbrushes, they have timers, and highly recommend that you should spend two minutes or 30 seconds in each quadrant, which is how dentists divide the upper and lower jaw and the left and right side of the face.
I am not recommending that you go out and buy an electric toothbrush. A regular, manual toothbrush will do a great job if used properly. Conversely, an electric toothbrush is relatively useless if you use it around the mouth at lightning speed. Or, if you just like being "hi-tech," they may be just what you're looking for.
To get back to today's topic, after talking to this patient, I realized that I don't think I ever actually timed myself. So that night, I did. I tried to be fair and do what I usually do - not changing my speed or routine. And guess what? It took me just over two minutes.
I only brush a maximum of two teeth at a time. Behind the front six teeth, top and bottom, I brush them one at a time with the brush held vertically. I brush the inside first at the gum line, all the way around, and then the outside, in a similar manner. Finally, I brush the top or biting surface.
I do the lower arch first, then the upper. I spend a little more time behind the lower front teeth and on the outside of the upper molars in the back because that's where the tartar builds up the most.
By doing it the same way all the time, I don't even have to think about it. It's automatic. By the way, if you have ever noticed, I clean your teeth the same way when you come in for your regular cleaning. I do the lower arch first, starting on the inside of the lower right molars. I work my way around to the inside of the lower right molars and then work my way back around on the outside. I usually do this twice to make sure the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, and then I do the same in the upper arch twice.
So to answer my patient's question, two minutes is what's needed. It may seem like a long time, but that's what it takes. And don't forget about flossing, also about two minutes though I haven't timed it yet.