How to brush your teeth properly: toothpaste, floss and interdental brushes
Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush is enough; technique is what makes the difference. Angling the brush at 45 degrees to the gum line and using small movements, spitting out the toothpaste without rinsing, and cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes clearly lowers the risk of decay and gum disease.
Step-by-step brushing technique
- Put a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush.
- Place the bristles at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums.
- Use small back-and-forth or circular movements over two or three teeth at a time, without pressing hard.
- Clean the outer, inner and biting surfaces in turn; hold the brush upright for the inside of the front teeth.
- Spend at least two minutes in total; you can split your mouth into four areas and give each 30 seconds.
- Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse with water, so the fluoride stays on the teeth.
Which toothpaste should you choose?
Fluoride is the most important ingredient. The recommended amount by age is:
| Age | Amount | Fluoride |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | A thin smear, the size of a grain of rice | At least 1000 ppm |
| 3–6 years | Pea-sized | 1000–1450 ppm |
| 7 years and adults | Pea-sized | 1350–1500 ppm |
If you have sensitivity, a sensitive toothpaste can help. Some whitening and charcoal toothpastes are abrasive, so they are not recommended for long-term use on their own.
Electric or manual toothbrush?
Both work well with good technique. Rechargeable brushes with oscillating-rotating heads give a small advantage in plaque removal, and models with a pressure sensor stop you pressing too hard. Whichever you choose:
- Use soft or medium-soft bristles.
- Replace the brush or head about every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay.
- Replace your brush after a cold, flu or throat infection.
Floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser?
A toothbrush cannot reach between the teeth, where decay and gum disease most often start. That is why you need to clean between your teeth once a day.
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| Floss | Tight contacts between teeth, no gum recession |
| Interdental brushes | Wider gaps, gum recession, bridges and implants |
| Water flosser | Extra cleaning with braces, implants and bridges; not a replacement for floss |
If your gums bleed when you brush, do not stop; bleeding usually means inflammation and settles within 1–2 weeks of regular care. If it does not, read our guide to bleeding gums.
Do you need tongue cleaning and mouthwash?
The coating on the back of the tongue is the most common cause of bad breath. Scraping it from back to front once a day with a tongue cleaner is enough.
Mouthwash is optional. If you use one, use it at a different time of day rather than straight after brushing, so it does not wash away the fluoride.
When should you brush?
- The most important brush is the one before bed, as saliva flow drops during sleep and decay risk rises.
- The second brush can be in the morning, before or after breakfast.
- Wait 30–60 minutes after acidic food and drinks such as fruit juice, fizzy drinks and vinegar.
- If you have braces, implants or a bridge, ask your dentist about cleaning aids suited to you.
A check-up once or twice a year and a professional clean when needed take care of the areas you cannot reach at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to brush straight after eating?
Not after an ordinary meal. After acidic food or drinks, wait 30–60 minutes, as enamel is temporarily softened.
My gums bleed when I brush. Should I stop?
No. Bleeding is usually plaque-related inflammation and improves with gentle, regular brushing. If it does not settle in 1–2 weeks, see a dentist.
Does flossing widen the gaps between teeth?
No. Correct flossing does not open up gaps; as bleeding and swelling settle, the gums firm up.
Until what age should children have help brushing?
Parents are usually advised to help with brushing, or check it afterwards, until about age 7–8.
