We’ve all heard that it’s best to brush our teeth after meals. But in some cases, did you know it is best to hold off brushing, at least temporarily?
“We definitely recommend holding off on brushing after consuming anything acidic, whether it's fruit, soda, juice, or sour candy,” says Ezzard Rolle, DDS, assistant professor of dental medicine at Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine.
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“The reason for that is that when acids are in the mouth, they weaken the enamel of the tooth, which is the outer layer of the tooth,” Rolle says. Brushing immediately after consuming something acidic can damage the enamel layer of the tooth.
Waiting about 30 minutes before brushing allows tooth enamel to remineralize and build itself back up.
But Rolle says you can do something to help your teeth in the meantime: “After eating or drinking something acidic, I always recommend rinsing with or drinking water, which starts the remineralization process of the enamel.”
Soft bristles please
When you do start brushing your teeth, your teeth and gums will be happiest, Rolle says, if you choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
“There's a common misconception that a hard toothbrush cleans better than a soft toothbrush, but this is just not true,” Rolle says. Not only does a soft brush clean just as effectively, it’s also better for your gums and teeth. Hard toothbrushes can be a bit abrasive and wear down the enamel on your teeth. They can also cause the gums to recede, which can lead to sensitive teeth.
Rolle also recommends using gentle, but firm, pressure when brushing: “You always want to avoid brushing too hard because that's also abrasive to the gum tissues and teeth.”
Get the right angle
When brushing, position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, hold the toothbrush parallel to the teeth, and brush in a circular motion. “This technique is very effective at cleaning the teeth,” Rolle says, “but is also very friendly to the gums and teeth.”
Brush—and floss—twice a day
Not only should you be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, Rolle recommends flossing twice a day as well.
“Ideally, you would brush and floss after each meal, but that may not be very realistic for people with busy jobs or hectic schedules,” he says. “So we recommend at least brushing and flossing twice a day, and ideally one of those times will be before bed.”
Flossing is a very effective method of cleaning in between the teeth, areas that toothbrushes don't often clean effectively. “Use a long piece—about 18 inches—and bring the floss down in between the teeth, make a C shape with the floss, and hug each tooth,” Rolle says.
Brush by quadrant
Brushing for two minutes is important because it ensures that each section of the mouth is cleaned adequately.
It helps to picture your mouth as four quadrants: upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left. “If you can brush for about 30 seconds in each section, that usually ensures that all parts of the mouth are equally and effectively cleaned,” Rolle says.
Go electric, if possible
Electric toothbrushes have come a long way, Rolle says, and he’s a fan.
Some advanced models will give you analytics on your brushing and tell you if you’re brushing too hard or long enough.
“The main advantage of an electric toothbrush is that it does a lot of the brushing motion for you,” Rolle says. “All you have to do is just hold a toothbrush to the teeth and it will perform the correct brushing motions.”
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about 2 minutes to help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don't brush them properly. It contributes to gum disease and
tooth decay. Tooth brushing stops plaque building up. Try to make sure you clean every surface of all your teeth. Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing before you go to bed and on 1 other occasion every day. Your dentist or hygienist may give you
more advice based on your own dental health and needs. It doesn't matter whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush.When should I brush my teeth?
Should I use an electric or manual toothbrush?
They're both equally good, as long as you clean all the surfaces of all your teeth and you use fluoride toothpaste.
But some people find it easier to clean their teeth thoroughly with an electric toothbrush.
What should I look for in a toothbrush?
For most adults, a toothbrush with a small head and a compact, angled arrangement of long and short round-end bristles is fine. Medium or soft bristles are best for most people.
If you're using an electric brush, one with an oscillating or rotating head may work better than a manual toothbrush.
But making sure you thoroughly clean your teeth at least twice a day is more important than the type of brush you use. If in doubt, ask your dentist.
What type of toothpaste should I use?
It's important to use a toothpaste with the right concentration of fluoride.
Check the packaging to find out how much fluoride each brand contains.
- Adults should use a toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.
- Children don't need to use special children's toothpaste. Children of all ages can use family toothpaste, as long as it contains 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride. Children aged 3 and under who don't have tooth decay can use a lower strength children's toothpaste, but make sure it contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
- Children under the age of 3 should use just a smear of toothpaste. Children aged 3 to 6 years should use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste. Make sure children don't lick or eat toothpaste from the tube.
Your dentist may advise you or your child to use a toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride, if you need it.
How to brush your teeth
Make sure you clean all the surfaces of all your teeth, which should take about 2 minutes.
Remember to brush the inside surfaces, outside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
How to help children brush their teeth
Children need to be helped or supervised brushing their teeth until they're at least 7 years old.
Get more tips on taking care of children's teeth
Don't rinse with water straight after toothbrushing
After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste.
Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste.
Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.
Should I use mouthwash?
Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth.
Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch.
Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
How to use dental floss
Flossing isn't just for dislodging food wedged between your teeth.
Regular flossing may also reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along the gum line.
It's best to floss before brushing your teeth.
- Take 30cm to 45cm of floss or dental tape and grasp it so you have 3cm or 4cm of floss taut between your hands.
- Slip the floss or dental tape between the teeth and into the area between your teeth and gums, as far as it'll go.
- Floss with 8 to 10 strokes, up and down between each tooth, to dislodge food and plaque.
Read about why you should use dental floss.
How to use interdental brushes
You can use interdental brushes or single-tufted brushes instead of flossing, especially if there are gaps between your teeth.
The brush should fit snugly between the teeth.
Never use toothpicks to remove trapped food from between your teeth as you may damage your gums, which could lead to an infection.
Your dentist or hygienist can advise you on the best way to clean between your teeth.
Read more about why you should use interdental brushes.