How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: Advice from a Dental Hygienist

Brushing your teeth seems simple, but many people are surprised to learn they may not be cleaning as effectively as they think.

As a Dental Hygienist and Therapist, one of the most common questions I hear is: "Am I brushing my teeth correctly?" The good news is that a few small changes to your brushing routine can make a big difference to your oral health.

In this guide, I'll explain how to brush your teeth properly, whether an electric toothbrush is worth the investment, and the common mistakes that can leave plaque behind.

Why Is Brushing So Important?

Every day, a sticky layer of bacteria called plaque forms on your teeth and around your gum line.

If plaque isn't removed regularly, it can lead to:

• Bleeding gums
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Bad breath
• Tooth loss in severe cases

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and protect your teeth and gums from long-term damage.

Should I Use an Electric Toothbrush?

One of the questions I am asked most often is:

"Should I switch to an electric toothbrush?"

In most cases, my answer is yes.

Both manual and electric toothbrushes can clean your teeth effectively when used correctly. However, electric toothbrushes are generally less technique-sensitive and do much of the work for you.

Because they move much faster than we can manually, they often provide more consistent plaque removal, particularly around the gum line.

For many patients, switching to an electric toothbrush is one of the easiest ways to improve their oral hygiene routine.

Sonic vs Oscillating Electric Toothbrushes

There are two main types of electric toothbrush:

Sonic Toothbrushes

Sonic toothbrushes use rapid vibrations to move the bristles and disturb plaque around the teeth and gums.

These brushes typically have a brush head similar in shape to a manual toothbrush.

Oscillating Toothbrushes

Oscillating brushes use a small round head that rotates back and forth.

This is generally the type I recommend most often because the smaller brush head makes it easier to focus on one tooth at a time and reach difficult areas.

How to Use an Oscillating Electric Toothbrush

A common mistake is scrubbing with an electric toothbrush as though it were a manual brush.

Instead:

1. Place the brush on one tooth.
2. Allow the brush to do the work.
3. Slowly move around each surface of the tooth.
4. Spend approximately 3–5 seconds per tooth.
5. Work methodically around the mouth.

A full brushing session should take around two minutes and should be carried out twice daily.

How to Brush Properly with a Manual Toothbrush

If you prefer a manual toothbrush, technique becomes even more important.

I recommend:

• A small brush head
• Medium bristles (unless advised otherwise by your dentist)
• Fluoride toothpaste

Avoid very hard bristles, which can damage enamel and irritate gums over time.

The Modified Bass Technique

The technique most dental professionals recommend is known as the Modified Bass Technique.

Don't worry about remembering the name — it's actually quite simple:

1. Place the bristles where the tooth meets the gum.
2. Angle the brush at approximately 45 degrees towards the gum.
3. Use small circular movements.
4. Clean one or two teeth at a time.
5. Gradually work around the whole mouth.

The aim is to clean both the teeth and the gum margin, where plaque commonly accumulates.

Common Tooth Brushing Mistakes

Even people who brush regularly can develop habits that reduce effectiveness.

Common mistakes include:

• Brushing too quickly
• Missing the gum line
• Scrubbing aggressively
• Using an old toothbrush
• Rinsing immediately after brushing
• Forgetting the inside surfaces of the teeth

Should You Rinse After Brushing?

Many people automatically rinse their mouth with water after brushing.

In most cases, it's better to spit out excess toothpaste and avoid rinsing immediately afterwards.

This allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to remain on the teeth for longer, helping to strengthen enamel and protect against decay.

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, the brush should be replaced approximately every three months.

You should also replace it sooner if:

• The bristles become splayed
• The brush looks worn
• You've recently been unwell

Worn bristles become less effective at removing plaque and can harbour bacteria.

Brushing Alone Isn't Enough

Even excellent brushing cannot clean every surface of your teeth.

The spaces between teeth require additional cleaning using:

• Interdental brushes
• Dental floss
• Superfloss
• Water flossers

If you'd like to learn more, read our guide to Effective Interdental Cleaning.

Need Help Improving Your Brushing Technique?

If you're unsure whether you're brushing effectively, a visit to the hygienist can help identify areas that may be being missed and provide personalised advice on improving your technique.

Small improvements to your daily routine can have a significant impact on your long-term oral health.