Prevention, Hygiene & Lifestyle
Brushing technique
Brushing twice a day removes the plaque that causes decay and gum disease.
How often
Twice a day
How long
Two minutes
Brush type
Soft bristles
Toothpaste
Fluoride
Overview
Brushing well is the single most useful habit for a healthy mouth. The goal is to clear soft plaque from every tooth surface and along the gum line.
Technique matters more than scrubbing hard. A gentle, thorough brush twice a day keeps gums firm and teeth clean.
What to know
- Brush twice a day for two minutes
- Use a soft brush and gentle, small circles
- Angle the bristles towards the gum line
- Spit, but try not to rinse, after brushing
Caring for it
- Use a soft-bristled brush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Hold the brush at a slight angle towards the gum line.
- Brush gently in small circles, not hard back-and-forth strokes.
- Cover every surface: outer, inner and the chewing tops.
- Spend about two minutes in total, twice a day.
- Spit out the toothpaste but try not to rinse with water.
- Replace your brush, or brush head, every three months.
Common questions
Why not rinse after brushing?
Leaving a little toothpaste behind lets the fluoride keep protecting your teeth.
Is an electric brush better?
A good electric brush can help, but a careful manual brush also works well.
Should I brush after breakfast?
Brushing before breakfast is fine. If acidic food or drink was had, wait about an hour.
How hard should I press?
Lightly. Hard brushing can wear teeth and damage gums over time.
Related topics
Flossing & interdental cleaning
Cleaning between your teeth each day reaches the spots a brush cannot.
Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps protect your teeth from decay.
Check-up & clean (routine visit)
A regular visit to check your teeth and gums and remove built-up plaque.
Sensitive teeth
Short, sharp tooth pain from cold, heat, sweet or touch.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026