How to clean your teeth properly

Is a minute in the morning enough? And will any old toothpaste do? Have you been cleaning your teeth wrong all these years?

You need to systematically go round all the surfaces of your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, for at least two minutes, twice a day. Unfortunately, we live such busy lives that putting two minutes aside feels like a lifetime for some people.

Your teeth tend to be a bit softer just after eating, so wait at least half an hour. Then brush all along the gum line with a little scrubbing action. Don’t press too hard, or to be too light.

It is very important that you remove the bacteria – the dental plaque – from your teeth. If you don’t remove that, your gums will get irritated, then bleed. Some people think this means they need to let them heal, but all that happens is the bacteria stay on your teeth. If you want to be sure you’re doing it effectively, buy some plaque-disclosing tablets from the chemist, which will stain the bacteria that remain.

There is some evidence that small-headed electric toothbrushes tend to be a bit better than manual brushes – but make sure you still use them in a systematic way.

Brushing your teeth fights gum disease; fluoride toothpaste stops the decay. Spit the toothpaste out but don’t rinse out. Mouthwash by itself is not going to do the job that brushing with toothpaste does. If you do want to use mouthwash, again spit rather than rinse.

Ask your dentist or hygienist about flossing. For most people, good brushing will be enough. Others may be more susceptible to gum disease and have to do more, such as using interdental brushes (for gaps between teeth) and floss (where your teeth have tight contact).

Prof Damien Walmsley is a scientific adviser to the British Dental Association. He was talking to Emine Saner

Contributor

Prof Damien Walmsley. Interview by Emine Saner

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
How to wash your hands properly
The bad bacteria we pick up on our fingertips can lead to infection, but we often miss them when washing. An expert from the Royal College of Nursing advises on how to maintain good hygiene

Rose Gallagher

02, Jun, 2019 @2:30 PM

Article image
How to chew your food properly
Digestion starts in the mouth so, to avoid overburdening your stomach, it is important to chew food well. A nutritionist gives some helpful advice

Jo Travers

14, Jul, 2019 @1:00 PM

Article image
How to blow your nose properly
Clearing blocked passages is more important for comfort than for health reasons – but if you are really struggling to stay clear, there are ways to do it

Carl Philpott

24, Nov, 2019 @3:00 PM

Article image
Is flossing your teeth a waste of time?
The US health department has stopped recommending it, but the NHS is still in favour. So, should you bother?

Luisa Dillner

17, Oct, 2016 @7:10 AM

Article image
Lockdown has slowed me down. So why can't I spare two minutes to clean my teeth? | Adrian Chiles
Apparently I have been cleaning them wrong all my life. Now I’m determined to brush my way to inner peace, says Guardian columnist Adrian Chiles

Adrian Chiles

04, Feb, 2021 @7:00 AM

Article image
How to clean your makeup brushes
Synthetic or natural, they will last longer if you wash and dry them carefully once a week – without using hot water

Ellie Tobin as told to Emine Saner

23, Feb, 2020 @2:30 PM

Article image
How to clean your ears
The best advice is never to put anything smaller than your elbow in them, says a hearing specialist

Vincent Howard

05, May, 2019 @2:00 PM

Article image
The experts: dentists on 22 quick, easy ways to care for your teeth
When’s the best time to use mouthwash? Are interdental brushes better than floss? And should you scrape your tongue? Here’s the full lowdown on how to avoid decay and protect your gums

Sarah Phillips

31, Oct, 2024 @5:00 AM

Article image
Can’t visit the dentist? Here’s how to take better care of your teeth
Should you worry if you can’t get a routine dental appointment because of the pandemic? Can you be your own hygienist? And what if you have an emergency? Experts answer your questions

Elle Hunt

22, Nov, 2020 @3:00 PM

Article image
How to cut and look after your nails correctly
Keep them short, don’t be afraid to file – and remember to moisturise, says a leading dermatologist

As told to Emine Saner

24, Mar, 2019 @3:00 PM