NeuroTalk Support Groups - I have a question about brushing

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Do I have to brush for 4 minutes EVERY TIME I BRUSH?

Yes the normal time to brush with a manual brush is 7-8 minutes. Electrical brushes reduce this time by half

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When one uses this toothbrush, one has to cover all the quadrants, and it signals you and I understand this, and after 4 minutes or so (haven't exactly timed it) BUT IT'S A LONG TIME till I get the 4 beeps that tells me ALL DONE, and I check and there's my smiley face!!!!

I would suggest you to follow your common sense rather then following an electrical piece of equipment.
What is important in brushing your teeth is that you have to brush in sequence meaning that you have to start from the left and finish on the right. ( This way you wont miss any spots) Once you have finished your labial or facial side you start with the lingual side. When you are done with the upper teeth start in the same sequence with the lower teeth.

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BUT THAT'S A LOT OF TIME. Might not seem like it, but there I am in the bathroom, brushing, flossing, tongue brushing, and rinsing.

Is this the correct thing to do?

Or is one allowed to "Lighten up" during the day and give just a quick brush, floss and rinse??

I'm lucky I'm able to do this, but I wonder "What do people do who DON'T have the 4 minutes after each meal, or they are not home, or they are outside?

It's a good question, no?? And is this what people do when they want to save their teeth?

Here you are exaggerating a bit. A Dental Hygienist will never tell you to brush and floss after every meal because it is unrealistic. Nobody does and it is not necessary to do so. There are other methods to reduce acid attack after snacks or light meals.
I will give you five tips that will help you maintain an excellent oral hygiene without having to carry your toothbrush everywhere you go.
1-First of all after every meal you have to wait at least 15 minutes before you brush your teeth ( The enamel is vulnerable after eating due to the acid attack and the abrasive bristles can wear it away with time) So wait untill this acid attack is over 15 minutes is believed to be the ideal time
2- When you eat sweets try to consume them in the least amount of time possible. ( The longer you expose your teeth to sweets the longer the they are exposed to the acidic environment that is created in the mouth.
3- rinse your mouth with water after every thing you eat
4- A recent study but also based on my experience Flossing has a greater impact in oral hygiene then brushing so it is preferable and more realistic for the majority of people to floss rather then brush after everything you eat during the day.
5- try to eat cariostatic foods like plain yogurt, apple, drink water, chew sugar free gums
I hope it helps