There are very few things that shock me, but, yes, brushing your teeth in the shower is one of them. Oddly enough, 4 percent of Americans happily admit that the shower is their ideal place to brush their pearly whites.
While I don’t think it’s a great idea, it did get me thinking. Does WHERE you brush your teeth affect the health of your mouth?
Let’s break down the shower locale.
Proponents say it’s a strategic move – maximizing that time you spend waiting for the conditioner to set in, saving water and time. Some even argue it’s less messy to get taken care of in the shower.
But there are some downsides.
- Because the moist shower environment lends itself to bacteria growth, the American Dental Association warns against leaving your toothbrush in the shower when you’re finished.
- If you aren’t in front of the mirror and are multitasking your shower duties, you may not be as focused on your brushing technique as you normally would be – maybe your 45-degree angle isn’t quite up to par, or you may shave some time off that crucial two minutes.
Perhaps, the pros and cons of shower brushing are minor.
Overall, what’s important is that you brush twice a day for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste. Of course, visiting THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® every 6 months for a dental cleaning helps too!
About THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently situated with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we offer most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures, complete dental rebuilding and TMJ/ Headache management. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.
