How often do you brush your teeth?

[SaidThePinkToothbrush]

Inspired by another thread, and nc'd because I suspect I will be called a filth monger.

I usually only brush mine in the morning If I've eaten fish I'll brush after that and chew gum, or if I've eaten something particularly oniony during the day then I will brush at night, but other than that, I just leave it to the morning time. I sometimes use mouthwash and occasionally floss or use a water flosser.

I go for my checkup and clean once a year and the dentist always says how healthy my teeth are. It baffles DH because he brushes at least twice a day and his teeth are not as strong as mine (though I know genetics plays a huge role in this).

I just don't see the point in brushing at night, though I suspect some of you will now enlighten me and tell me that all my teeth will fall out imminently because of my slovenly ways. Who knows, you may even convert me!

Am I the only one?

(sorry if I've made anyone feel ill)

Maybe three times a week?

Twice a day, my dentist said it's more important to brush at night as acid from bacteria will sit on your teeth at night and corrode them. I brush in the morning to freshen breath.

My teeth are shit and DH's are much better even though he doesn't do much for them

My frequent toothbrushing is largely motivated by how gross I find other people’s bad breath. I really notice it when someone’s breath smells fetid and I kind of dread being that person.

Those of you who brush less often - does that not bother you? Do you maybe not really notice bad breath in other people? Not really asking in judgement - just curious

Oh it's because you can get heart disease as a complication of gum disease.

I use an inhaler so brush afterwards to prevent a sore mouth, so twice a day. It really will catch up with you one day OP. So get brushing.

Twice but 3 times if I'm heading out anywhere

You can't spend 2 minutes to brush your teeth before bed, after eating and drinking all day? My god that's gross.

I brush 2 or 3 x a day and floss everyday

You need to brush your teeth before bed because your saliva flow is reduced while you sleep making you more prone to decay.

Your teeth will be covered in plaque, plaque is just pure bacteria and shite. Why would you leave it on your teeth? Imagine a film of bacteria coating a spoon, would you lick the spoon? Its just a film of bacteria chilling in your mouth

Another reason is that perio disease often doesn't present until people are in their 40s/50s, your teeth might be fine now but you will have some form of gum disease if you are brushing once a day, and there's always a risk of it progressing.

Twice a day, sometimes an extra at lunchtime. Floss daily. I also gave up sugar nearly 2 years ago and have loved the effect it's had on my teeth and life!

Usually only at night. I get up, have breakfast and then forget . My teeth are pretty good though and nice and white. I've had quite a few compliments on how white they are.

I had to retrain myself to brush after neglecting my dental health for years. I wasn't taught as a child to brush in the morning and I used to skip it at night because I didn't want to or felt tired etc. I'd also then forget because it wasn't my usual routine. I didn't notice having bad breath, plaque on my teeth etc because it was normal to me. In fact having clean teeth was the part that felt weird. And often quite uncomfortable as my gums would be inflamed and bleed etc. But I would wake up with a bad taste and coating on my tongue every morning which was unpleasant and I found that really horrible tbh. It affected the taste of food and everything.

So I made myself do a few weeks of brushing every morning and night and flossing at least every other day and I got used to the sensation of them being clean all the time. Now I can really feel it and taste it if I'm late to brush my teeth or they need doing early. It's bothering me right now because it's time to go to bed so I actually want to go and do them which was never the case before. I can't believe how long I lived like that tbh.

I am trying to do it for showers and hair washing now. Hygiene is a very sensory thing, people who struggle with it might have sensory issues. It's like the feeling of being dirty is safe and familiar so it's hard to let go of that.

Brush before breakfast then if you're going to forget to do them afterwards.

Use to be once in the morning all my adult life. People have always commented how white my teeth are so don’t think it caused any issues. I’ve had Invisalign since April though so having to brush a lot more or the brace goes minging. My gums are sore from all the brushing. Will brush twice a day though when braces finish in December as will have to wear a night retainer and wouldn’t put a brace on teeth that weren’t freshly brushed.

I do them as soon as I wake up now :) then I drink coffee or tea as they aren't sweet so don't get distorted by the toothpaste taste. By the time I've had a small drink the taste has worn off so I can eat cereal or whatever I want to.

I would have thought if you’re only going to brush once a day, then nighttime would be preferable to morning? At least your brushing away the crap and not leaving it there for an extra 12 hours .org so?

About 3 or 4 times a day. Feel vile otherwise!

I brush twice a day, floss and everything but my teeth crumble and decay like hell.

DH brushes once a day, eats crap, used to smoke unlike me.... perfect teeth Bastard.

Twice, after breakfast and before bed, and floss every night. Dentist every 6 months. I had really bad teeth as a child /teen but like others re-taught myself dental hygiene in my twenties and they have been much better since.
I am quite surprised at people only brushing once! I would feel pretty gross going to bed without brushing..

Usually twice a day - sometimes three and sometimes once. I have brushed mine before bed tonight but I can often fall into bed without. I do brush them as soon as I get up and sometimes will brush them again after breakfast.

I’ve had dental surgery to correct and underbite and have bone and gun damage from braces and said underbite as a teen. Had my jaw corrected at 33 and I’m now 37. I brush and use teepee brushes but still end up with build up on my bottom teeth as I’ve been left with gaps between them and it just collects there over time. I have to have a scaling done twice a year. It appears no amount of brushing will help that.

My teeth are a mess thanks for dental work, brushing too often and too hard and my underbite. I’ll be lucky if they stay in forever thanks to that!

@Yestermo ... how? When?
Too much brushing is a thing you know.

2/3 times a day and I use a Waterpik after breakfast before heading out.

I’m sure you can correct what auto correct altered for me there...

Ugh - that is gross. Your breath must stink if you only brush once a day! And no, you won't be able to smell it yourself, but that doesn't mean it isn't repulsive.

Twice a day

I literally can't eat or drink or think straight until I've brushed in the morning. And I can't settle to go to sleep until I've brushed at night. About three or four times a week I also use the interdental brushes to be sure all the dirt's really gone.
I've broken up with at least two people for bad dental hygiene. I just can't even contemplate kissing them. I'm less inclined to meet up with friends if I've gone out with them a few times and all I'm seeing is their yesterday's lunch all over their teeth. It's a huge social dealbreaker for me. I'd rather spend time with someone who only showers once a week if I'm honest.