You know brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day is what you should be doing to keep your smile healthy — but are you hitting the two-minute mark every single time? If you’re like most of our patients, the answer is no. That’s why your Bergenfield, NJ and Tappan, NY dentist is running a summer awareness campaign called Don’t Rush Your Brush! Little ones can also participate in our Brushing Challenge during June, July, and August for cool prizes (and healthier teeth and gums, too). Keep reading to learn more about both opportunities!
Better-Brushing Habits
A thorough, two-minute brush is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But you know what else? It’s also pretty boring. That’s why most people do a quick brush on their way out the door instead — a small attempt that will never remove the plaque and bacteria buildup that causes cavities and gum disease. As your dentist, we want you to enjoy a happy, healthy smile for years to come, and we know the best way to do that is to encourage better-brushing habits. Keep the following in mind the next time you’re standing with your toothbrush in hand.- Set the timer on your phone for two minutes
- Listen to your favorite song while you brush
- Try doing some simple exercises while brushing: four 30-second sets of squats, for example
- Invest in an electric toothbrush. Most come with an automatic timer that will indicate when to move between quadrants of your mouth
- Stop by our office to pick up a one minute sand timer. Brush your top teeth, flip, brush your bottom teeth!
Don’t Rush Your Brush Summer Campaign
Patients who stop by our office this summer can take part in our Don’t Rush Your Brush campaign for raising awareness around the importance of good toothbrushing habits. At the end of the summer, we’ll be giving away a nice dinner at a local restaurant to one lucky participant. Better dental health and a night out on the town — how sweet is that?
Kids’ Brushing Challenge!
Children are especially vulnerable to cavities between the ages of six and 14, so it’s especially important that they develop excellent brushing and flossing habits. To help our young patients maintain healthy teeth, kids who visit our Bergenfield or Tappan office during June, July, and August can take part in our Brushing Challenge! Pick up a brushing chart and help your little one keep track of her brushing. There’s never a better time to track brushing than summer, when increased access to sugary treats and a break in the routine can leave your little one more vulnerable to cavities than ever. At the end of the summer, bring in your completed charts for entry into one of our exciting drawings — kids can win a prize!
Your child can participate in our Brushing Challenge even without having an appointment. Just download our brushing chart or come by to pick one up.