Our blog

Most of us brush twice a day, but it is easy to miss areas or rush. Good home care is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, so it is worth getting the basics right for you and your family.

What you need

• A toothbrush with a small head and soft to medium bristles, manual or electric.
• A fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist can advise on the right strength.
• Floss or interdental brushes for cleaning between your teeth.

Step by step: brushing

1. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
2. Angle the brush towards the gum line. Plaque collects where the teeth meet the gums.
3. Clean each tooth in turn using small, gentle movements. With an electric brush, guide it slowly from tooth to tooth and let the brush do the work.
4. Clean every surface: the outside, the inside and the biting surfaces of every tooth, including the back teeth.
5. Brush for about two minutes. Many electric brushes have a timer, or you can use the clock or a phone timer.
6. Spit, don't rinse. Spit out the toothpaste but don't rinse with water, so the fluoride stays on your teeth for longer.

Brush last thing at night and on one other occasion each day.

Cleaning between your teeth

A toothbrush cannot reach between the teeth. Clean these spaces every day with floss or interdental brushes. Use gentle movements and don't force anything between the teeth. Some bleeding when you first start can be a sign of gum inflammation; if it continues, mention it to your dentist or hygienist.

Children's teeth

• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
• Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under three and a pea-sized amount for children aged three to six.
• Help children brush until they can do it well themselves, and supervise them so they spit out the toothpaste.
• Keep sugary food and drink to mealtimes.

Your dentist may recommend fluoride varnish for your child at their check-ups. Read more about children's dental health.

Common mistakes

• Brushing too hard, which can wear the gums and enamel.
• Missing the inside surfaces and the back teeth.
• Rinsing straight after brushing.
• Brushing straight after acidic food or drink. Wait about an hour. See when you should brush your teeth.

Frequently asked questions

Should I brush before or after flossing?

Either is fine. What matters most is cleaning between your teeth thoroughly once a day.

Do I need mouthwash?

Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and cleaning between your teeth. If you use one, choose a time other than straight after brushing, so you don't wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste.

My gums bleed when I brush. Should I stop?

No. Keep brushing gently, but book a check-up, as bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease.

Getting help

Your hygienist can show you techniques and cleaning aids that suit your mouth. See why hygienist appointments matter and how to choose the right toothbrush. Call 01926 863236 (Kenilworth) or 01789 205254 (Stratford-upon-Avon) to book.