Brushing your teeth properly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your mouth healthy.
Why toothbrushing matters
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day.
If plaque is not removed, it can lead to:
- Tooth decay.
- Gum disease.
- Bad breath.
Brushing for two minutes, last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and food debris.
Choosing the right toothbrush
Most people should use a toothbrush with:
- A small to medium head – this helps reach all areas, including the back teeth.
- Soft or medium bristles with rounded ends.
- A handle that feels comfortable to hold.
Children need smaller brush heads, but still with soft bristles.
Some people may benefit from specialist brushes, such as:
- Extra soft brushes for sensitive teeth.
- Small-headed brushes for crowded or uneven teeth.
- Larger-handled or angled brushes for people who find gripping difficult.
Your dental team can advise what is best for you.
Are electric toothbrushes better?
Electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque than manual brushes.
They can be helpful for:
- Children (with supervision until the age of 7).
- Older people.
- Anyone with limited hand or arm movement.
Look for an electric toothbrush with:
- A two-minute timer.
- A pressure sensor to stop you brushing too hard.
- A head that rotates or oscillates.
Read more about electric toothbrushes here.
How to brush your teeth
- Place the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
- Use small circular movements, not hard scrubbing.
- Brush the outside, inside, and biting surfaces of every tooth.
- For the inside of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes.
- Gently brush your tongue to help reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
Spit out after brushing, but do not rinse with water. This helps fluoride stay on your teeth for longer.
If you are unsure about your technique, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the best way to brush.
Published:
1st April, 2026
Updated:
9th July, 2026
Author:
Sophie Turner
{“EnhancedSharingEnabled”:true,”SelectedPlatforms”:[“email”,”linkedin”,”facebook”,”twitter”,”bluesky”,”whatsapp”],”StylingConfig”:{“Heading”:”Share this page”,”HeadingStyle”:”above”,”IconShape”:”square”,”IncludeText”:false,”BackgroundColor”:”#123495″,”IconTextColor”:null}}
https://www.dentalhealth.org/toothbrushes
Toothbrushes
