SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/brush-two-minutes-twice

How long, and how often, should you brush your teeth?

2 minutes, twice a day.

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The Just Right card

Too littleA quick 20-second scrub in the morning
Too muchScrubbing hard after every snack
Just right2 minutes, twice a day, gently

Huh, didn't know that: Hold the brush at an angle to your gums and gently move it in short, tooth-wide strokes.

The dad joke
What time should you go to the dentist? Tooth-hurty.
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References

Answer: 2 minutes, twice a day. The ADA recommends brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day, with a soft brush. Brushing for 2 minutes removes a useful amount of plaque.

  1. American Dental Association: Toothbrushes www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
    The consensus recommendation is for people to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. ADA MouthHealthy: Brushing Your Teeth www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/brushing-your-teeth
    Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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