Two minutes, twice a day. It sounds easy, but the average person brushes for about 45 seconds. Here is the routine we follow ourselves.
Step by step
- Pea-sized fluoride toothpaste on a soft or electric brush.
- Angle at 45 degrees towards the gumline, where plaque gathers.
- Small circles, light pressure. Scrubbing wears gums and enamel.
- Thirty seconds per quarter. Outer, inner and chewing surfaces.
- Spit, don’t rinse. Leaving a film of fluoride protects teeth for longer.
Clean between your teeth
A brush reaches only about 60% of each tooth. Use floss or interdental brushes once a day, ideally before your evening brush.
Common mistakes
- Brushing straight after acidic food or drink. Wait 30 minutes.
- Keeping a brush too long. Replace it every three months.
- Forgetting the tongue, where odour-causing bacteria live.
Small improvements, repeated daily, are what keep you out of the dental chair.
