How to brush your teeth properly (the correct technique)

In short: brush at least twice a day (the night-time one is key), for about two minutes, with gentle movements and a medium or soft toothbrush. The most common mistake is not brushing too little, but doing it fast, hard and missing areas. And almost nobody cleans between the teeth, which is exactly where problems start.

The technique, step by step

There’s no need to overcomplicate it, but you do need to do it properly:

1. Hold the brush at an angle of about 45° towards the gum, not flat against the tooth.
2. Use gentle, short movements, or circular ones, without “scrubbing” hard.
3. Go over every surface: the outer face, the inner one (the side facing the tongue) and the chewing surface.
4. Don’t forget the back molars or your tongue (it builds up bacteria and causes bad breath).
5. Spend about two minutes in total, without rushing.

The most common mistakes

You’re probably making one of these:

• Pressing too hard. Brushing harder doesn’t clean more; it wears down the tooth and causes gum recession. Gentle and consistent wins.
• Rushing. Thirty seconds doesn’t reach everywhere.
• A hard or old brush. Better to use medium or soft, and change it every 3 months (or sooner if the bristles splay out).
• Brushing right after something acidic (citrus, fizzy drinks): it’s best to wait a while so you don’t drag away softened enamel.
• Skipping the night. While you sleep, saliva drops and bacteria run riot: night-time brushing is the most important.

What almost nobody does (and it’s key)

The toothbrush doesn’t reach between the teeth, and that’s where many cavities and gum problems begin. That’s why brushing isn’t enough: you also need to clean those gaps with floss, an interdental brush or a water flosser. We cover it in floss, interdental brush or water flosser.

Fluoride toothpaste? Yes

Use a fluoride toothpaste, which strengthens the enamel and prevents cavities. And a tip: after brushing, spit but don’t rinse with lots of water, so the fluoride keeps working for a while.

The underlying idea

Good hygiene at home is the best (and cheapest) way to avoid treatments. Even so, there’s tartar that only the dentist can remove: that’s why it’s worth having a professional cleaning and regular check-ups.

Would you like us to review your technique and show you how to clean those tricky areas? We do it at the practice. The first visit is free. Book an appointment whenever you like.