How long should you brush your teeth? FAQs about how to brush properly

It’s a well-known fact that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day.1 Unfortunately, most people don’t apply the right technique – usually because they simply don’t know how. Oral hygiene is not only a key component of the care required for the health of our teeth, but also the health of our whole body. The state of your teeth can affect your overall health and cause certain illnesses in other parts of the body.¹

Knowing how to brush teeth properly will guarantee the optimal health of your teeth. In this article we’ll explore these steps to find out the correct way to brush teeth:

• Brush for at least two minutes
• Brush at a 45-60° angle
• Use mild pressure
• Brush up and down on the outside
• Brush back and forth on the chewing surface

Read on to discover our step-by-step guide on how to brush teeth properly, whether you’re using a manual or an electric toothbrush, as well as answers to the most common questions, like ‘how long should you brush your teeth?’ and, ‘when should you brush your teeth in the morning?’.

How to properly brush your teeth using a manual toothbrush

In the past, it was said to brush teeth with circular motions. Today, this technique is considered outdated, and experts advise to brush the teeth with the so-called ‘Bass-Method.’² Below are four super simple steps for properly brushing teeth:

1. Position the toothbrush at a 45 to 60° angle. The bristle shaft forms should form an angle to the dental crown, with the bristle field covering equal parts of your teeth and gums.
2. Apply mild pressure. You should notice that the bristles begin to bend but be careful not to be too aggressive as this can lead to enamel and gum damage.
3. Start with vertical strokes. Work your brush up and down across the inside surface of your teeth, before repeating the process on the outside tooth surfaces.
4. Finish up on the chewing surface. Gently move the brush back and forth over the chewing surface, again repeating the process until all the surfaces have been brushed.
   

Ultimately to brush properly using a manual toothbrush you just need to work with a system! Always begin with the inner surfaces of your upper and lower jaw. After that, get working on the outer surfaces. Finally, brush the chewing surfaces.

How to brush teeth properly using an electric toothbrush

Ultimately, when it comes to properly brushing teeth, an electric toothbrush has a number of advantages compared to a manual toothbrush. This is because with an electric toothbrush, you can reach places in your mouth that are hard to reach with a normal toothbrush. Here’s how to use a round-headed electric toothbrush to brush properly:

1. Position the brush head parallel to the teeth on the gumline. Start from the outside upper corner and gently guide the brush along the gumline.
2. Work your way slowly from tooth to tooth. You need to make sure that each tooth is brushed individually for at least a few seconds.
3. Don’t forget the interdental spaces. Large quantities of bacteria are found in the interdental spaces which will lead to increased levels of plaque in these areas if not dealt with.
4. Use the same system as manual toothbrushing. Start with the inner surfaces, then brush the outer surfaces and lastly clean the chewing surfaces.

If you already own a sonic toothbrush, well done! Thanks to its oblong brush head, a sonic toothbrush allows you to clean multiple teeth simultaneously, without having to apply pressure to your teeth and gums. This is how to use a sonic toothbrush for properly brushing teeth:

1. Position the brush head at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Just as you would if using a manual toothbrush, position your sonic toothbrush in a way that the bristle field covers teeth and gums in equal parts.
2. Remain there for a while. Staying in one position before moving on to the next surface will help to loosen any plaque.
3. ‘Sweep’ away over the teeth. Moving in a sweeping motion away from your teeth will remove the loosened plaque from your teeth and ensure they are left clean and ready to sparkle when you smile.

Tip: If you want to remove plaque while also combatting light tooth discoloring, try the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean. It not only removes up to 20x more plaque, but also offers up to 100% stain reduction and helps to whiten teeth in just one week.

From learning about brushing before or after breakfast to whether or not to use toothpaste, read on to discover answers to all the frequently asked questions about how to brush properly.

FAQs about the correct way to brush teeth

Now that you know how to properly brush your teeth and keep your mouth healthy, let's have a look at some of the most common questions around toothbrushing.

• When should you brush your teeth in the morning?
  
  If you’re wondering whether you should brush your teeth before or after breakfast, we recommend brushing before. Once you have eaten, the bacteria found in your mouth begin to increase production of the acids that lead to plaque, therefore brushing – and cleaning away any plaque and bacteria – before this process starts makes much more sense.

• How long after eating should you wait before brushing your teeth?
  
  So, you know whether to brush your teeth before or after breakfast, but what about other meals or snacks? Good technique and thorough toothbrushing is beneficial for your oral health.
  
  However, you should wait at least 30 minutes after eating to avoid damage to the tooth enamel. It's also important to know what you can eat before and after brushing your teeth.

• How long should you brush your teeth for?
  
  So, how long should you brush your teeth on each occasion of brushing? The key to a thorough oral care routine is ensuring not just that you brush twice a day but also brush for at least two minutes. This applies to the use of both a manual and an electric toothbrush.

• Can small children use electric toothbrushes?
  
  From preschool age onwards, children can use an electric toothbrush. Make sure to get them a model specifically for kids such as Philips’ Sonicare for Kids. We also recommend you brush your teeth together with your child until they can brush properly alone.

• Do you need toothpaste to brush properly?
  
  The short answer is no. As long as you are using the correct technique to brush your teeth, using a toothbrush and water can still be an effective way to remove plaque and protect your teeth.

• How often do you need to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head?
  
  To ensure you are properly brushing your teeth, you should replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3-4 months.
  

Once you understand the correct way to brush teeth and make the technique we’ve shared part of your daily routine, it’ll be easy to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Remember that our oral health has a big impact on the overall health of our body. Knowing how to brush your teeth properly will help you take better care of your teeth, leading to a healthier and more beautiful smile.