How To Brush Your Teeth Properly

Your oral health matters! At the practice and at home, management of your oral health will underpin your physical wellbeing and is ESSENTIAL for maintaining all cosmetic and implant treatments!

Book your appointments online

Schedule your routine dental care or a FREE pre-clinical consultation and start your smile makeover today!

So, how do you brush your teeth properly?

Easy right? Or maybe not. We all brush our teeth every day, but it’s easy to get it wrong. This guide provides essential tips on how to brush your teeth properly and make the very best of your oral health at home. Remember, prevention is the best treatment.

pexels-photo-6763607

Step One

Brush your teeth at least twice a day at about the same time each day. This will help make it a habit.

💡Make a routine! Brush in the morning after dressing and in the evening as part of your bedtime routine.

pexels-photo-707582

Step Two

Brush your teeth for 2 minutes. Imagine splitting your mouth into 4 areas. These are called quadrants; you’ll brush each quadrant for 30 seconds.

💡Set a timer. Or even better, most electric toothbrushes have in-built timers!

pexels-photo-27176887

Step Three

Add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush.

💡Use any brand of toothpaste – if you like the taste even better!

pexels-photo-9475383

Step Four

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, pointing towards the gum. Start brushing, moving in small circles. You should brush every surface of the tooth and just into the gumline.

💡Don’t brush too hard! Hold your toothbrush near the base of the handle and apply gentle pressure to your teeth.

pexels-photo-3799786

Step Five

Gently brush the top surface of your tongue, inside your cheeks, and around your gums. This will help remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

💡Many manual toothbrushes have a surface for tongue brushing on the back of the head, and electric toothbrushes often have a tongue cleaning setting.

pexels-photo-1090387

Step Six

Spit the toothpaste into the sink, but DON’T rinse! By keeping some toothpaste residue in your mouth, you’re holding onto fluoride, which is essential for remineralising tooth enamel and preventing cavity-causing bacteria.

💡If you want to use mouthwash, do this before brushing or after eating instead of directly after brushing.

Want to learn more about oral health?

Check out our blog for expert opinion and a deep dive into all things dental!

See more related topics