EXCUSES FOR NOT BRUSHING OFTEN are all over the map! In a recent survey conducted by the Chicago Dental Society, more than half of the doctors surveyed said that their patients top excuse for not brushing or flossing is that they dont have enough time.

Fortunately, proper brushing techniques dont require a lot of time at all! Simply brush for two minutes, twice a day…thats only 240 seconds total. If it really is a time issue youre dealing with, set your alarm clock back 2 minutes. Your oral health is worth it and your smile will thank you! We want that smile of yours to shine when those braces come off!

Now, although two minutes really isnt very long in the grand scheme of things, it can seem like a long time to brush your teeth if youre used to a 20-second scrub. So, next time youre in the bathroom brushing, bring along your phone and time yourself!

To properly brush your teeth, use gentle strokes and pay extra attention to your gum line, those hard-to-reach places, and the areas surrounding your braces, fillings, and/or crowns. If you concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section of your mouth, those 2 minutes will fly by!

Here is a great video by Colgate that illustrates proper brushing techniques:

By the way, among the most interesting responses from that same survey suggested that pets crave toothbrushes as well as homework. But now that youre motivated to take your brushing and flossing seriously, you wont need to pretend like the dog ate your toothbrush! Youll be a brushing pro.

If you have any additional questions about taking care of your smile, feel free to leave a comment below!

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