How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: A Dentist Approved Guide

Tooth decay and gum disease are among the most common health problems in the world, and largely preventable. The single most important habit is brushing well, twice a day. Here's how to do it right.

The 2/2/2 basics

• 2 times a day: morning and, most importantly, last thing at night.
• 2 minutes each time: most people brush for under a minute.
• 2 kinds of cleaning: brushing plus cleaning between the teeth.

Step by step technique

1. Use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under 3).
2. Angle the brush at 45° toward the gumline.
3. Use gentle, short back and forth or circular strokes, about one tooth width at a time.
4. Clean every surface: outer surfaces, inner surfaces and chewing surfaces of all teeth.
5. For the inside of front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make up and down strokes.
6. Brush your tongue gently, or use a tongue cleaner, to reduce bacteria and bad breath.
7. Spit, don't rinse. Rinsing with water washes away the protective fluoride.

Divide your mouth into four quarters and spend about 30 seconds on each: many electric brushes have a built in timer.

Choosing a toothbrush

• Pick soft bristles: medium and hard bristles can wear away enamel and make gums recede.
• Choose a small head that reaches back teeth easily.
• Electric toothbrushes (especially oscillating rotating ones) remove slightly more plaque than manual brushes, and they help people with limited dexterity, but a manual brush used well works too.
• Replace your brush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles splay or after an illness.

Choosing a toothpaste

• Choose a toothpaste with fluoride (typically 1,000 to 1,500 ppm for adults). Fluoride is the most effective ingredient for preventing cavities.
• Sensitive teeth? Try a toothpaste with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride.
• Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains but don't change the natural colour of teeth.
• Charcoal toothpastes can be abrasive; there's little evidence they're better.

Clean between your teeth

A toothbrush can't reach the tight spaces between teeth, where gum disease often starts. Use dental floss, floss picks or interdental brushes once a day.

Is mouthwash necessary?

Mouthwash isn't a replacement for brushing and flossing, but some types help. Read our guide to mouthwash benefits and how to use it.

Other habits for healthy teeth

• Cut down on sugar, especially sticky sweets and sugary drinks between meals.
• Avoid tobacco in all forms: gutka, khaini and smoking cause gum disease, stains and oral cancer.
• Drink water after meals and snacks.
• See a dentist at least once a year, or as advised.

Warning signs to see a dentist

• bleeding gums when brushing
• persistent bad breath
• tooth sensitivity or pain
• loose teeth or receding gums
• a sore or white/red patch in the mouth that doesn't heal within two weeks