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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it takes a lot longer than 2 mins to clean your teeth properly?

29 replies

Tobythecat · 11/02/2018 10:57

It takes me a good 5 minutes to thoroughly clean my teeth - who the fuck said it takes 2 minutes? I clean all along the gum line, the spaces between, especially the harder to reach ones at the back and the molars. If I only spent 2 minutes my teeth wouldn't be properly cleaned.

Am I doing it wrong and being to thorough? I wish it didn't take so long. I floss daily too and brush my tongue.

OP posts:
theymademejoin · 11/02/2018 11:11

I was at the dentist this week. He commented on what a good job I'm doing in maintaining my teeth. I take a maximum of 1 minute to wash them. I do use an electric toothbrush though.

AnotherPlaceAnotherTime · 11/02/2018 12:11

Nah, for me two minutes with an electric toothbrush is fine. I’m mid 30s and have no fillings or gum disease. I was at the dentist last week and they said my cleaning was excellent.

MuseumOfCurry · 11/02/2018 12:13

Where's your tongue brushing in this routine, electric toothbrushers?

I spend 5.

OuchLegoHurts · 11/02/2018 12:19

I spend around a minute. Didn't go to dentist for 17 years and when I did go he said my teeth were great (I lied and told him I went 3 years ago!) I have white teeth but I honestly believe a lot of it comes down to the type of teeth you have. My friend goes every 6 months for a clean and check up and needs work done quite regularly.

Steaksauce · 11/02/2018 12:19

I brush for 2 mins twice a day with an electric toothbrush. My teeth are fine and I'm in my mid thirties. My dentist told me that flossing every other day is fine as it can cause damage doing it daily. He also said not to swill out after brushing as leaving the toothpaste in there means all the good stuff in the toothpaste stays on your teeth longer.

OuchLegoHurts · 11/02/2018 12:19

Now in fairness, I should say I spend a minute but clean three times a day

humpbackwhalestail · 11/02/2018 12:20

Mine feel horrible if I just brush for two minutes. I’d say about five, too.

DNAwrangler · 11/02/2018 12:27

I hope tongue brushing is a joke...

stickytoffeevodka · 11/02/2018 12:31

I do about two minutes twice a day - I use mouthwash but don't floss.

Never had any issues with my teeth.

gamerchick · 11/02/2018 12:34

Well I don’t brush for 5 but if you include flossing and those little fiddly brushes that get in awkward places then it’s more than that for me.

If you add in the mouthwash half an hour later or before then it’s more than that.

MuseumOfCurry · 11/02/2018 12:36

I hope tongue brushing is a joke...

In what sense? Confused

Huggybear16 · 11/02/2018 12:36

Same here! The timer on my electric toothbrush goes off way before I'm done.

TheHulksPurplePants · 11/02/2018 12:38

I get in trouble with my dentist for even doing 2 minutes twice a day because he says I brush too hard! I've had one cavity in 37 years but the enamel on my front two teeth is wearing off.

Singinghollybob · 11/02/2018 12:39

Why DNAwrangler?
I usually spend 2 mins with an electric brush 2-3 times a day. Brush tongue and roof of mouth as well

Rememberallball · 11/02/2018 12:39

1 minute tops using electric toothbrush - and not necessarily every day (never twice!). Don’t use floss or mouthwash.

Dentist always happy with condition of my teeth whenever I go (which is when I have an issue to be dealt with)

Fundays12 · 11/02/2018 12:40

I brush for about three minutes with an electric toothbrush

acornsandnuts · 11/02/2018 12:40

Depends if it’s an electric brush or manual. Mr dentist and recommends three minutes or the length of a Justin beiber song to DD in her last visit.

areyoubeingserviced · 11/02/2018 12:42

Don’t people brush their tongues?
The back of the tongue contains a lot of bacteria

womaninatightspot · 11/02/2018 12:42

I spend about two minutes brushing. I've taken up water flossing after seeing it on here and it's revolutionised my teeth cleaning. Really feel much cleaner and it lasts longer so mouth feels less fuzzy come morning. Used to use interdental brushes and they took ages though.

amusedbush · 11/02/2018 12:45

I can't brush my tongue as it makes me vomit. I have a very sensitive gag reflex and brushing my teeth makes me retch most mornings so the tongue is a no-go. I've tried but I end up heaving with my eyes streaming.

wonkylegs · 11/02/2018 12:46

1 min with electric toothbrush and gentle head
Dentist is happy with my technique and the immaculate condition of my teeth and gums - I've always had to take care because one of my medications can cause bleeding gums and ulcers so have regular check ups but I think I'm lucky to have good teeth.

Cherrycokewinning · 11/02/2018 12:51

We have an app that sinks with our electric toothbrushes and monitors how long it takes to clean the whole
Mouth. It’s usually about 2mins 20, but nowhere near 5mins

Cherrycokewinning · 11/02/2018 13:02

Syncs not sinks, lol

duckingfisaster · 11/02/2018 13:06

Spend a minute, possibly 2 maximum twice a day - brush teeth and tongue (don't get the 'tongue is a joke question!?). I am 47, have no fillings or gum disease and perfectly white teeth with no plaque build up, dentist always tells me I take good care. Five minutes would do my head in - always in a rush in the morning and always tired last thing at night!

MuseumOfCurry · 11/02/2018 13:07

I can't brush my tongue as it makes me vomit. I have a very sensitive gag reflex and brushing my teeth makes me retch most mornings so the tongue is a no-go. I've tried but I end up heaving with my eyes streaming.

My mother taught me to scrub the back of my tongue until I gagged several times (weird, I know). She'd stand next to me and chant 'Fresh fresh fresh!'. So I can't rest until I've gagged at least 3 times.

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