Brushing timer
A free brushing timer preset to two minutes, the length the American Dental Association recommends twice a day. Most people brush for well under a minute without a timer, and a ring on the bathroom tablet fixes that. Also searched as tooth brushing timer, toothbrush timer, 2 minute brushing timer.
Four quadrants, 30 seconds each
| Seconds | Quadrant | Surfaces |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 | Upper right | Outside, inside, chewing |
| 30–60 | Upper left | Outside, inside, chewing |
| 60–90 | Lower left | Outside, inside, chewing |
| 90–120 | Lower right | Outside, inside, chewing |
Two ways to run it. Start the two-minute countdown and move on at each quarter of the ring. Or open the 30 second timer, tick Repeat, and let a beep mark every quadrant. The second way works well for kids, who hear the beep and switch without being told.
Brushing basics
- Fluoride toothpaste, a pea-sized amount for children over three.
- Soft bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gums, with short gentle strokes.
- Do not forget the tongue and the back of the last molars.
- Replace the brush every three to four months, or sooner if frayed.
- Floss once a day. The timer does not cover that, so do it before brushing.
Children usually need an adult to help or check until about age seven or eight, when they have the hand control to reach every surface. More on technique at the ADA's MouthHealthy site.
Making it stick for kids
Keep the same device in the bathroom, bookmark this page, and let the child press Start. The Chime sound is gentle for early mornings. For other routines, the kids timer page lists time-outs, clean-up and screen limits. Adults who prefer a plain countdown can use the 2 minute timer.
Frequently asked questions
Is two minutes really necessary?
Yes. The ADA recommends two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Shorter brushing leaves plaque along the gum line and between back teeth.
How do I get a beep every 30 seconds?
Open the 30 second timer, tick Repeat and press Start. The alarm sounds and the timer restarts four times for a full two minutes.
Does it work on a phone in the bathroom?
Yes, in any browser. Keep the screen on, since most phones mute browser audio when the screen locks.
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