How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Most people brush twice a day and still end up with cavities or sore gums. The problem is rarely effort. It is usually technique, timing, or the tools being used.

Here is how we teach patients to brush properly, and the mistakes we see most often at checkups across the GTA.

What does proper brushing look like?

Proper brushing takes two minutes, a soft brush, and a gentle touch. Follow these steps:

• Use a soft-bristled brush with a small head so it can reach your back molars.

• Angle the bristles about 45 degrees toward the spot where your teeth meet your gums.

• Use short, gentle strokes, about the width of one tooth, instead of long scrubbing sweeps.

• Clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.

• Tilt the brush upright to clean the inside of your front teeth.

• Finish by gently brushing your tongue, or use a tongue scraper.

• Spit out the extra toothpaste. Do not rinse with water right away.

How long and how often should you brush?

Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Most people stop at 30 to 45 seconds. Try splitting your mouth into four sections and spending 30 seconds on each.

The brushing you do before bed matters most. Saliva slows down while you sleep, so bacteria have more time to do damage.

Should you brush before or after breakfast?

Brush before breakfast if you can. It removes the overnight plaque film and puts fluoride on your teeth before you eat.

If you prefer to brush after eating, wait 30 minutes after anything acidic, such as coffee, orange juice, or fruit. Acid softens enamel, and brushing right away can wear it down.

Common brushing mistakes

• Pressing too hard. Hard scrubbing wears enamel and pushes gums back. If your bristles splay out within a month, ease up.

• Using a worn-out brush. Replace your brush or brush head every three months, or sooner after an illness.

• Skipping the gumline. Plaque builds up where tooth meets gum, and that is where gum disease starts. Learn the early signs of gum disease.

• Rinsing straight after. Water washes away the fluoride you just applied. Spit and leave it.

• Rushing the back teeth. Molars have deep grooves, and that is where many cavities form.

How much toothpaste should you use?

Adults need a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. For children under three, use a smear about the size of a grain of rice. From ages three to six, use a pea-sized amount. Look for the Canadian Dental Association Seal of Recognition on the box.

Fluoride helps rebuild weak enamel before a cavity forms. If you are prone to cavities, ask whether you would benefit from a professional fluoride treatment.

Electric or manual toothbrush?

Either works if your technique is good. Electric brushes make it easier because they handle the motion and keep time for you. We break down the differences in our electric vs manual toothbrush comparison.

Whichever you choose, brushing only cleans about 60 percent of your tooth surfaces. You still need to clean between your teeth. See how floss stacks up against a water flosser.

When to talk to your dentist

Even perfect brushing cannot remove tartar once it hardens. Book a visit if you notice bleeding gums that last more than a week or two, ongoing bad breath, tooth sensitivity, or rough buildup near the gumline.

A regular dental cleaning also lets us check your technique and show you where you are missing spots.

Frequently asked questions

How long should you brush your teeth?

Two minutes, twice a day. A timer or an electric brush with a built-in timer makes this easier.

Is it bad to brush your teeth too hard?

Yes. Heavy pressure can wear down enamel and cause gum recession. Use a soft brush and let the bristles do the work with light pressure.

Should you floss before or after brushing?

Either order is fine. Flossing first can help fluoride from your toothpaste reach the spaces between your teeth. The best order is the one you will actually stick with.

How often should you replace your toothbrush?

Every three months, or when the bristles look frayed. Replace it sooner after being sick.

Want a hands-on technique check? Schedule an appointment with Lornview Dental.