What Is The 2 2 2 Rule For Teeth?

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The 2 2 2 rule is simple - brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time, and schedule two dentist appointments per year. This easy guideline helps patients to maintain good oral health.

How to brush your teeth correctly

The first part of the 2 2 2 rule is brushing your teeth. It is important that you know the proper technique to minimise the risk of dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. This is a step-by-step guide as to how to brush your teeth properly.

1. Floss your teeth first with your chosen dental floss.
2. We recommend using an electric toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride for the best clean.
3. Add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the head of your toothbrush.
4. Gently start to brush your teeth using short circular movements. As you do this, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline.
5. Repeat this motion across the whole mouth for two minutes.
6. Don’t forget to brush your bacteria-harbouring tongue!
7. Spit out any excess toothpaste but do not rinse your mouth with water. This will dilute the protective benefits of any fluoride left lingering on the teeth.

Why are regular visits to the dentist important?

Routine check-ups play an essential role in your oral health. Your dentist will be able to identify dental problems invisible to the untrained eye, recommend useful treatments and provide at-home teeth cleaning advice. Should I visit my dental hygienist twice a year too? Yes. During these targeted appointments, your dentist will deliver a deep clean which, in turn, helps to prevent gum disease.

Top 10 oral health tips

Alongside following the 2 2 2 rule, there are many other things you can do to keep your teeth and gums in a healthy condition. Here are 10 oral health tips, carefully curated by the experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite.

1. Flossing is essential: Not matter how good your toothbrush is, it cannot reach the small gaps between the teeth. That’s where flossers come in, removing food particles and plaque build-up.
2. Don’t brush too hard: Placing too much pressure on your gums and teeth causes a host of issues, including bleeding gums, gum recession and weakened enamel.
3. Change your toothbrush head regularly: Worn-down bristles do not provide as effective of a clean. They also harbour bacteria. We recommend changing your toothbrush (or its head) every 3 months.
4. Stay hydrated: This stimulates the production of saliva, which protects your teeth and minimises the risk of bad breath. It also prevents conditions such as dry mouth from developing.
5. Consider your diet: Food and drinks that are very starchy, acidic or sugary will attack and weaken the enamel, while pigmented substances (like tomato-based sauces, tea and coffee) discolour. If able, try to limit your intake.
6. Don’t ignore pain: This could indicate an underlying dental problem which, if left untreated, may become harder to treat in the future. If you are experiencing discomfort, contact your dentist!
7. Quit smoking and vaping: Both are recognised to cause serious health problems. The nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and vapes also accelerates the rate of discolouration.
8. Pay attention to your gums: Bleeding, puffiness, swelling, redness - these are all symptoms of gum disease. Remember - the earlier gum disease is identified, the easier it is to treat.
9. Wear a mouthguard: Do you grind your teeth? Or play a lot of contact sports? Mouthguards will help to protect your mouth against dental trauma and painful wear and tear.
10. Do your research on oral care products: You know your mouth the best. Be sure to choose products that suit your specific needs, for example, a sensitive toothpaste.

Conclusion: The 2 2 2 rule is an easy way to remind ourselves to brush regularly and attend check-ups with our dentist. If you have any ongoing dental issues you wish to address (or need oral health guidance), contact Yorkshire Dental Suite. We will help in every way possible.