Brushing your teeth is one of those everyday habits that feels second nature. Swish the brush around for a minute or two and rinse, right? But according to dental professionals, most of us are doing it wrong. From using too much pressure to skipping key areas, poor brushing technique could be silently sabotaging your oral health.
If you’re looking to avoid cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, here’s a deep dive into how to brush your teeth properly, the way your dentist actually wants you to.
Timing Matters: Twice a Day for Two Minutes
Let’s start with the basics: you should be brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. But more important than frequency is duration. The recommended brushing time is two full minutes each session.
Use a timer, an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer, or hum your favourite song twice, whatever helps you commit to the full two minutes. Most people only brush for 30 to 45 seconds, which simply isn’t long enough to remove plaque effectively.
Choose the Right Brush
Your toothbrush plays a major role in how well you clean your teeth. The ideal choice? A soft-bristled brush that can gently remove plaque without damaging the enamel or irritating your gums.
While manual toothbrushes work fine with good technique, electric toothbrushes can be more effective, especially for people with limited dexterity or a tendency to brush too hard. Look for one with oscillating heads or sonic vibrations, both of which help dislodge plaque and food particles.
Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
The Right Technique: Small Circles, Not Back-and-Forth
Most people use a harsh sawing motion, brushing side to side across the teeth. But dentists recommend using gentle, circular motions at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. This method is more effective at cleaning the tooth surface and gum line without causing wear and tear.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Gently move the brush in small circles or short strokes across the teeth.
- Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of all your teeth.
- To clean the inside of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush.
And no, you don’t need to scrub. Brushing harder doesn’t equal cleaner teeth—it just increases the risk of enamel erosion and gum recession.
Don’t Skip the Gums and Tongue
Bacteria love to hide at the gum line and on the surface of your tongue. After brushing your teeth, gently brush your gums and scrape or brush your tongue to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath and contribute to decay.
If your gums bleed during brushing, it could be a sign of gingivitis, early gum disease. Don’t avoid brushing those areas; instead, brush gently and make an appointment with your dentist to rule out any issues.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Not all toothpaste is created equal. When choosing a toothpaste, look for one that contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens enamel, helps remineralise weak spots, and offers critical protection against cavities.
If you have sensitive teeth, consider a toothpaste designed specifically for sensitivity, but make sure it still contains fluoride unless otherwise recommended by your dentist.
Rinse Smartly
After brushing, many people rinse their mouths out immediately with water, but doing so can actually wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste before it has a chance to work. Instead, spit out the excess toothpaste and avoid rinsing, or if you really have to, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.
Floss First or Brush First?
There’s an ongoing debate about whether to floss before or after brushing. The truth? It’s more important that you do both. However, recent studies suggest that flossing first may be slightly more effective. It helps loosen debris between the teeth, making brushing and rinsing more thorough.
The Bottom Line
Mastering how to brush your teeth properly is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your oral and overall health. It’s not just about looking good in selfies; oral hygiene is linked to heart health, diabetes, and even cognitive function.
So next time you reach for your toothbrush, slow down, follow the steps, and brush like a pro. Your future self (and your dentist) will thank you.