So far, I have pretty much kept my new year’s resolution to floss my teeth every single day. I think I might have missed one, which for someone who formerly flossed about once a month (and twice a week just before seeing the dentist) isn’t too bad.
Have also extended tooth brushing times. I recall when growing up that the theory was you should brush at least twice a day, for five minutes. Does anybody really, actually, genuinely brush for five minutes? Somehow I doubt it. It may not be much time if you’re listening to the radio, but it’s a helluva long time when you’re brushing your teeth.
Since the microwave is located in the kitchen very close to the bedroom door, with the kids I’ve started setting the timer for two minutes when we brush. Frankly even two minutes is a long time to be brushing, but we’re getting used to it. We were probably brushing for all of thirty seconds before, so this is a big improvement, and hopefully Mr Dentist will be delighted the next time we darken his door.
What’s funny is the amount of toothpaste foam I seem to generate. I don’t know if the toothpaste I have is particularly sudsy or what, but during those two minutes, I find myself having to spit out excess foam, to prevent it dribbling down my chin. Maybe I need to alter my brushing technique, use less toothpaste, or look for a low suds variety.
12 replies on “Foaming at the mouth”
I think I brush for all of two minutes in the morning. And I can’t floss. My teeth are narfed up. I feel like I’m missing out.
Be careful you don’t go the other way. My dentist went mad on me because I was brushing too much and damaging my teeth.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/67/79977.htm
A low suds variety of toothpaste? I’ve never seen that claim on an ad … Whitening, tartar control, fluoride protection, triple stripe, spearmint, peppermint, bubblegum (I still remember pestering Mum for ages to get this and then being disgusted by the taste of it) … but low suds? Maybe that’s the home brand’s claim for their toothpaste? My sister finds the production of toothpaste suds gross, which I think is a little neurotic …
Daniel – I recommend any toothpaste that contains baking soda as a low-suds variety. I prefer to use Pearl Drops, which are way-sudsy, but everyone has their preferences!
Or don’t use toothpaste at all. Use a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and sea salt crystals.
Oh, and don’t set the microwave with nothing in it.
Dunno about yours, but my microwave has a Timer button, which just does a countdown timer (no cooking).
most of the natural toothpastes sold at health food stores in Melbourne are non-sudsy. i know because i tried nearly every brand in an effort to find a local replacement for my beloved Tom’s of Maine cinnamint toothpaste. there’s a particularly nice apple-flavoured one that has low suds and comes in a bottle.
I’ve been told everyone should use a “SOFT” bristle toothbrush – and that you can damage yr teeth and gums with brushing too long and too hard.
cinnimint toothpaste – now that sounds good!!!
Try using about half the toothpaste you’re using right now. The amount you see on the ads is way too much and it should only be equal to the size of a pea. It’ll still do the job and shouldn’t over suds.
I bought an electric toothbrush and set it to buzz away for 2 and a half minutes. It beeps every thirty seconds, so I do thirty seconds in each quarter of my mouth, and thirty seconds for general cleanup. When I first started using it it sort of stung, and I frothed up like I had rabies, but in a couple of weeks it settled down. Keep the teeth cleaner, for sure.
Yes you can damage the enamel on your teeth by brushing too long or too hard. I now brush gently for only about 30 seconds, but floss every day.
i thought it was three minutes? i’ve also heard it’s dangerous to run the microwave with nothing in it.
oh, i just read your comment about the timer with no cooking. well, that’s good i suppose. :-)