How to Brush Your Teeth Properly

Tooth decay and gum disease are very common, but most of it can be prevented with a few simple daily habits. According to the World Health Organization, untreated tooth decay is the most common health condition in the world. The good news is that the basics cost little and take only a few minutes a day.

How often and how long should you brush?

Brush twice a day for about two minutes each time. One of these sessions should be the very last thing you do before going to bed. It does not matter whether you use an electric or a manual toothbrush; the NHS says both work equally well if you use them properly.

Which toothpaste should you use?

Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect teeth against decay. WHO recommends a fluoride toothpaste with 1,000 to 1,500 ppm (parts per million) fluoride. The NHS advises adults to use one with at least 1,350 ppm. You can find the fluoride level printed on the tube.

Should you rinse after brushing?

No. Spit out the extra toothpaste, but do not rinse your mouth with water straight away. Rinsing washes away the fluoride left on your teeth. For the same reason, the NHS suggests not using mouthwash right after brushing.

How do you clean between your teeth?

A toothbrush cannot reach the tight gaps between teeth. Clean these spaces once a day with dental floss or small interdental brushes. The NHS suggests doing this before you brush.

1. Take a piece of floss about 30 to 45 cm long.
2. Hold it tightly, leaving about 3 to 4 cm between your hands.
3. Gently slide it between each pair of teeth and curve it around the side of each tooth.
4. If the gaps are wider, an interdental brush may be easier to use.

How should you care for children's teeth?

• Start brushing as soon as the first milk tooth appears, often around 6 months of age.
• Under 3 years: use only a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
• 3 to 6 years: use a pea-sized amount, and brush with your child or supervise them.
• 7 years and over: most children can brush on their own, but it is still worth checking they do it properly.
• Take your child to a dentist when their first teeth appear, or before their first birthday.

What else protects your teeth and gums?

• Cut down on sugar. WHO names high sugar intake as a major cause of tooth problems. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and make water your main drink.
• Avoid all tobacco, including chewing products such as areca nut (chalia). Tobacco and areca nut harm the mouth and gums.
• Go for regular dental check-ups, even if nothing hurts. Your dentist can spot problems early.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Early gum disease often shows up as gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat hard food, or gums that look red, swollen or sore. If it is not treated, it can lead to bad breath, loose teeth and painful infections called abscesses.

When to see a dentist

Book a dental appointment if you have:

• Bleeding gums that keep happening
• Tooth pain or swelling
• Bad breath that does not go away

Get urgent dental care if you have:

• Very sore and swollen gums
• Teeth that have become loose
• Mouth ulcers that do not heal, or a lump in your mouth or on your lip