Your Complete Brushing Routine

I walk patients through this routine regularly in my Carlow practice, and the difference a few small changes can make is often remarkable. Follow these steps twice a day for the best results.

Step 1: Choose a Soft-Bristled Brush

Select a toothbrush with soft bristles and a head small enough to reach comfortably into the back corners of your mouth. Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush is largely a matter of personal preference — both work well when used correctly. That said, I find that electric toothbrushes with built-in timers can be particularly helpful for patients who tend to rush.

Step 2: Apply a Pea-Sized Amount of Fluoride Toothpaste

You don't need a large strip of toothpaste across the full length of the brush — that's a marketing image, not a dental recommendation. A pea-sized amount is sufficient for adults. For children under three, use just a smear. Fluoride is the key ingredient here; it strengthens your enamel and helps protect against decay.

Step 3: Angle the Brush 45 Degrees to Your Gumline

This is the step that makes the biggest difference. Tilt the bristles so they point towards where your teeth meet your gums — that junction is where plaque loves to accumulate. At a 45-degree angle, the bristles can slip just under the gum margin and sweep plaque away effectively.

Step 4: Use Gentle Circular Motions

Forget the aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing you might have learned as a child. Instead, use small, gentle circular motions or short back-and-forth strokes. Let the bristles do the work — pressing too hard can actually damage your enamel and irritate your gums. If your bristles are splaying out to the sides, you're pressing far too hard.

Step 5: Brush All Surfaces

Work systematically around your mouth so you don't miss any areas. For each tooth, brush three surfaces:

Outer surfaces (facing your cheek) — smile wide to access the front teeth
Inner surfaces (facing your tongue) — tilt the brush vertically for the front teeth and use the toe of the brush in an up-and-down motion
Chewing surfaces (the biting surfaces of your back teeth) — use a gentle back-and-forth motion here

I suggest dividing your mouth into four quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) and spending about 30 seconds on each.

Step 6: Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue harbours a significant amount of bacteria that contribute to bad breath and plaque formation. Gently brush from back to front several times. Some toothbrushes have a textured tongue cleaner on the reverse side, which works well for this purpose. Don't scrub too aggressively — a gentle sweep is all that's needed.

Step 7: Spit, Don't Rinse

This is one that surprises many of my patients. After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but try not to rinse your mouth with water straight away. Rinsing washes away the concentrated fluoride left on your teeth by the toothpaste, reducing its protective benefit. It feels a bit odd at first, but you'll get used to it quickly.

Practical Tips

Set a timer — two minutes is longer than most people think. Use your phone timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in one.
Brush before breakfast, not after. Acids from food temporarily soften your enamel; brushing immediately after eating can cause microscopic damage. If you prefer to brush after breakfast, wait at least 30 minutes.
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn brush simply cannot clean as effectively.
Store your brush upright and let it air-dry. Covering a wet toothbrush encourages bacterial growth.
Don't share toothbrushes — this transfers bacteria between people and increases the risk of infection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Brushing too hard: This is the most common mistake I see. Aggressive brushing wears away enamel and can cause your gums to recede, exposing sensitive root surfaces. Use a light touch and let the bristles do the work.

Rushing through it: The average person brushes for only about 45 seconds. That's not even close to enough time to clean all surfaces properly. Commit to the full two minutes.

Using the wrong brush: A hard-bristled brush or one with a head that's too large will do more harm than good. Stick with soft bristles and a compact head.

Neglecting the inner surfaces: Many people focus on the visible outer surfaces of their teeth and barely touch the inner (tongue-side) surfaces. Plaque doesn't care whether it's visible — it builds up everywhere.

Keeping your toothbrush too long: After three months of use, bristles become bent and worn, losing their ability to reach into gaps and clean effectively.

Brushing right after acidic food or drink: Orange juice, coffee, wine, and fizzy drinks soften your enamel temporarily. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, or brush beforehand instead.

When to Talk to Your Dentist

If you notice persistent bleeding when you brush, pain, or sensitivity that doesn't improve with proper technique, it's worth scheduling a visit. These can be early signs of gum disease or other issues that are much easier to treat when caught early. I'm always happy to review your technique during a routine check-up — sometimes a small adjustment is all it takes.

Step-by-Step Brushing Guide