How to Brush Teeth Properly: 6 Steps and Tips

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Brushing Teeth Steps and Tips for Healthy Teeth

Brushing your teeth isn’t just for a bright smile—it’s your first line of defense against cavities and gum disease. Good oral hygiene supports overall health, and using the right tools and techniques is key. This guide covers the best brushing practices to help you maintain a healthy, lasting smile.

How Long and Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?

To maintain optimal oral health, it's recommended to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, once in the morning and once at night¹. This consistent brushing routine balances plaque removal without overtaxing enamel, with the morning brushing session helps remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulate overnight, while the evening session cleans away the day's food particles and bacteria, preventing them from causing damage as you sleep.

It is advised to avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks, as it could damage the softened enamel. Instead, wait at least 30 minutes to brush, for your saliva to neutralize the acids and the enamel to remineralise.

How Do You Brush Your Teeth?
6 Brushing Steps

Brushing your teeth involves more than just scrubbing on the teeth surfaces; it requires the correct techniques and thoroughness. Follow these six steps to ensure a thorough clean²:

1. Wet Your Brush and Apply Toothpaste

Start by wetting your toothbrush and applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste

2. Angle the Bristles at 45 Degrees Toward the Gumline

Position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle towards your gumline. This angle helps remove plaque and stuck food particles from the gumline and teeth surfaces, which are often the first areas to show signs of gum disease.

3. Use Short, Gentle Strokes to Clean Outer Surfaces

Gently move the brush back and forth in short strokes along the outer surfaces of your teeth, ensuring to cover each tooth thoroughly and avoid putting too much pressure on your gums.

4. Tilt the Brush to Reach Inner Surfaces

Tilt your toothbrush vertically and use up-and-down strokes to clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth, which are crucial for preventing plaque buildup at these hidden areas, and maintaining fresh breath.

5. Scrub Chewing Surfaces with Back-and-Forth Motions

Use firm, back-and-forth motions to clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth where food particles often get trapped, to help prevent cavities in the grooves of your molars.

6. Brush Your Tongue Lightly

Finish by brushing your tongue lightly to remove bacteria and as the tongue can harbor bacteria that contribute to bad breath.

How to Brush Teeth Properly with Proven Techniques

Here are some brushing techniques said to enhance the effectiveness of your oral hygiene routine³:

Bass Technique

This involves using small circular motions under the gumline to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. It's particularly effective for reaching the areas where the teeth meet the gums, which are prone to plaque buildup.

Stillman Technique

Utilize short horizontal strokes along the gumline for a thorough clean that stimulates the gums and removes plaque. This technique is beneficial for individuals with receding gums or sensitive teeth.

Charter Technique

Angle the bristles toward the crown of the tooth, making it ideal for individuals with braces or gum issues. This method helps clean around orthodontic appliances and along the gumline where plaque can accumulate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Brushing Teeth

Even with the right techniques, these common mistakes can compromise your oral hygiene:

Brushing Too Hard

Use gentle pressure to avoid sensitivity and reduce the risk of cavities.

Skipping Areas

Ensure you clean all tooth surfaces including outer, inner, and chewing to avoid plaque buildup and cavities.

Not changing your toothbrush regularly

Replace your toothbrush every
3-4 months, or sooner if you notice that the bristles are frayed. Worn bristles are less effective at cleaning and can trap bacteria.

Rushing the Process

Dedicate the full two minutes brushing to ensure a thorough clean.

Forgetting to brush the tongue

Remember to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and bad breath-causing bacteria.

What Types of Toothbrushes Are Available?

Beyond brushing steps and techniques, choosing the right toothbrush is key to overall oral health. Several options are available in today’s market:

1. Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are widely available with soft, medium, or hard bristles and in various brush heads (e.g. flat, angled, compact, full-size). Dentists often recommend soft bristles to protect gums and enamel⁴. They give you full control over the pressure applied and technique, preventing overbrushing and gum damage.

2. Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes use powered movements (e.g. oscillation, rotation, or vibration) to enhance cleaning efficiency. Although they are more expensive, they are often more effective at plaque removal. As a 2024 article from McGill University's Office for Science and Society have pointed out, electric toothbrushes typically come with added features including pressure sensors and timers, these tools aid in a more thorough cleaning⁵.

3. Charcoal-Bristle Toothbrushes

This type of toothbrushes features bristles infused with activated charcoal, usually from bamboo or coconut shells, and are marketed for stain removal, whitening, and bacteria reduction. The Charcoal bristles typically dry faster in the bathrooms, preventing build-up of bacteria on the toothbrush. While they may offer benefits, their abrasiveness could be a concern for sensitive teeth or gums. Considering the following pros and cons before choosing a charcoal-bristled toothbrush:

Benefits of Charcoal-Bristle Toothbrushes⁶ :

Natural Antibacterial Properties: Charcoal-infused bristles may help reduce bacteria buildup on the brush as it typically dries faster, which helps keep it clean.

Possible Whitening Effect: To some degree, activated charcoal which are mildly abrasive, may help to remove surface stains on your teeth to help with brighter smiles.

Odor Absorption: Charcoal's porous nature allows it to absorb odor-causing bacterias, potentially helping to combat bad breath during brushing.

When choosing a charcoal-bristled toothbrush, it's important to consider your specific dental needs and consult with a dental professional if you have concerns about gum sensitivity or enamel protection.

Boost Your Brushing with Darlie Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth correctly begins with the right toothbrush. Darlie offers a variety of toothbrush options to suit different dental needs and preferences, bringing you closer to a healthier, brighter smile.

Darlie High Dense Clean Toothbrush is ideal for those seeking a gentle yet effective way to lean your gums while enjoying a pampering brushing experience. It is designed with 3D-design bristles for multi-angle cleaning, it reaches deep between teeth and along the gumline. The ergonomic handle ensures comfortable grip and control, while the toothbrush comes in two dreamy colour options.

NEW Darlie Diamond Shine Toothbrush is perfect for those with whitening goals. Its Diamond Polish Core bristles offer 3 times the whitening power^* that helps remove stains effectively. Fluffy soft outer ring bristles and ultra-dense tufting from Ultrasonic Tufting Technology ensure a gentle, gum-friendly brush.

Darlie ET5 Sonic Power Toothbrush (Creamy Pink) is suitable if you are seeking a high-tech clean. This toothbrush delivers up to 42,000 micro-vibrations per minute with a patented microbubble motor, generating microbubbles that penetrate gaps for deep cleansing. It features five superior cleaning modes (Cleaning, Whitening, Polishing, Sensitive Care, Massage) and a smart 2-minute quadrant timer—all with a soft, high-density spiral brush head.

Understanding how to brush teeth properly and selecting the right tools are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. By investing in quality tools and refining your brushing habits, you’re taking an important step toward protecting your oral health and enjoying a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles.

1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-brush-your-teeth
2. https://polyclinic.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/Documents/Dental%20Flyer_A14.pdf
3. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220718-the-best-way-to-brush-your-teeth
4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-toothbrushes-4580356
5. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/student-contributors-health-and-nutrition-history/are-electric-or-manual-toothbrushes-better
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/do-charcoal-toothbrushes-work#benefits
^*In vitro study, compared with the cleaning and whitening (brightening) performance of a general DARLIE Charcoal Tapered Bristle toothbrush.