How often do you brush your teeth?
 

I think it's about time we started discussing the real issues that matter here at GFF. And with bad breath becoming a more and more widespread phenomenon, personal dental hygiene is definitely one of them.

So how often do your teeth get some fresh whitening toothpaste action?

Back in junior high and high school I used to brush them once in the morning or in the evening and that was it (sometimes I'd even forget!). When I moved out and started interacting with the world I established a firmer daily routine (once in the morning no matter what!). That wasn't much, but still!

Through the years, I started socializing more and more, and upon encountering some pretty serious (and numerous) cases of bad breath, I realized I had little tolerance for it. But you know what they say, judge not lest ye be judged! So I started adjusting my routine to my social interactions.

Recently, though, I figured it would be a lot simpler to just brush my teeth after every meal, like all civilized people supposedly do. So now it's three times a day, except when I'm not at home for lunch (but I'm considering taking my toothbrush with me to avoid this problem). And it seems it's going to stay this way.

Discuss and share your experiences!

I usually do it twice a day, before I leave for work and when I get back. I think I'll probably get one of those mini-toothbrush kits so I can clean my teeth after lunch.

I usually brush my teeth twice every day, sometimes three, depending on what I've been eating. I also floss, to get rid of whatever the brush missed.

I do in average about 4 times a day. But to be more exact its after 'every' meal/snack that I eat.

I experience is very similar to the OP. Back in high school I pretty much ignored dental hygiene, which gradually lead me to bad toothaches and headaches.

It was 2 years ago in university where I was told that I have serious dental problem, that my teeth will go bad if I don't take care of them 'seriously'. Since that day I pretty much brush after every meals, and floss after breakfast and dinner. Another thing is that I seldom drink soft-drinks and juices, since they rot my teeth faster. Water is a good element to have when thirsty!

Anyone use electric toothbrushes here? Any good recommendations?

I always brush twice a day for around two minutes each time. Ten seconds on each of five spots on the bottom, ten seconds on each of five spots on the top, and then random swishing around for 15-20 seconds. Follow that up with some mouthwash in the morning (this new non-alcoholic Crest stuff is really good), as well as a tongue scraping which I think is something everyone should own in addition to a tooth brush. I gag on it almost every time I use it, but I can actually taste my breath on the days I don't use it because it causes such an improvement.

Brushing my teeth is always the last thing I do before I go to bed, no matter what. Trying to sleep with an unclean mouth will keep me awake, unless I'm just completely snookered.

During the week, brushing my teeth is the 4th thing I do after waking up (relieving myself, putting on deodorant, and shaving being the first 3). On the weekends, I'm more lax. If I'm going out to run errands or something, I brush before I go, but if I'm laying around by myself all day, sometimes I don't brush until before bed.

On a regular day, I will brush twice. On a day that I am going out right after dinner, I will brush an additional time. Of course, back in college, it would usually be three or four times on a regular day, basically once in the morning, then after lunch and after dinner, and then immediately before spending quality time with a member of the opposite sex.

On weekdays, I usually end up brushing at least 3 times: after breakfast/before leaving for work (in case I don't eat breakfast), after lunch, and before I sleep. If I go out in the evening, I'd brush before heading out as well. On weekends, I'd only brush before going out and before sleeping. Oh, and if I ever can't brush, Orbit gum is usually a go-to.

I always to do it once a day. I would try do it more, but I am I just never seem to get around to it. :P Thats why I got a big thing of mouthwash in my room so at least I can use that :P

Twice a day. In the morning and at night. More doesn't really make any sense. You have better opportunities to waste your time.

Wow, I didn't realize what a total nerd I was with bad hygiene.

I only brush my teeth, on average, once a day, in the morning. Sometimes I do at night too, but I usually forget.

Twice a day. Once after breakfast and once before I go to sleep.

Once a day, just before I go to sleep.
I always forget doing it in the mornings, and I never have time for it anyway. I should start brushing twice a day though.

I brush my teeth once before I go to sleep, but use mouthwash before I go out in the morning. I've never had a cavity.

I brush my teeth once a day (what a heathen), just after my shower in the morning.

I have routines. I can not break routines.

I used the Crest SpinBrush. I like it a lot. Seems to work very well also.

I usually brush twice a day, once before I head out somewhere and right before I got to sleep.

There's always one guy in the office who you see brushing his teeth in the public restroom. Call me crazy, but I'm slightly grossed out, both for the brusher and the rest of us.

I also brush twice a day. I brush immediately after waking up (or after breakfast if I decide to eat breakfast that day) and right before I sleep. I'm habitual about brushing my teeth, and I rarely skip out on brushing at night. Only if I'm too tired to care would I sleep without brushing first. I never forget to brush my teeth in the morning.

I brush my teeth thoroughly in the morning, sometimes when I'm taking a shower and then right before I go to sleep. Sometimes, depending on whether or not I eat at school, I brush my teeth there as well.

I brush at least four~five times a day:

1 // when I wake up (morning breath, hello? Eww?)
2 // after I eat breakfast
3 // after I eat lunch
4 // after I eat dinner
5 // before I go to bed

I usually skip a meal or two so the number of times I brush my teeth vary from time to time, but generally I keep to the general rule of thumb of at least twice; once after waking and before going to sleep. Then I add in the other general rule of "after every meal"

Since I got my braces and now have to deal with rubber bands I'm trying to be more strict on this routine.

Nice question :)

I ussualy brush my teeth twice a day. White teeth require much more focus on, but I have to admit that I am lazy frequenty - maybe too frequently.

Is that true that everyone in US has completely white and polished teeth? There is also a medical system I dont completely understand. Dentist are extremely expensive supposedly, even if you would like them to do a simple tooth operation.

Twice a day for me...
Morning and before bed... :)

Just twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Occasionally I'll forget to do it in the morning, but only if I don't plan on going out at all that day. ;_;

Three times a day, for me. And one session of flossing, which I've become accustomed to. Gotta look after those teethies!

Right when I wake up and right before I go to bed. Love the clean feeling before bed (also floss before brush).