How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly
Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and use gentle, short strokes about one tooth wide, cleaning the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of every tooth. Light pressure is enough. Brushing harder doesn't clean better and can wear gums and enamel.
What do I need?
A soft-bristled toothbrush. Manual or powered both work when used well. A Cochrane review of 56 trials found powered brushes removed somewhat more plaque and reduced gum inflammation a little more than manual brushes, though how much that matters clinically is unclear. [3]
Fluoride toothpaste. A pea-sized amount is plenty for adults. Our toothpaste guide explains how to choose one.
How do I brush, step by step?
Angle the bristles. Point them toward the gumline at about 45 degrees, so they reach where the tooth meets the gum. [1]
Use short, gentle strokes. Move the brush back and forth in strokes about as wide as one tooth. With a powered brush, hold it on each tooth and let the head do the work.
Clean every surface. Work around the mouth in order: the outside surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.
Tilt the brush for the inside of the front teeth. Hold it upright and use several up-and-down strokes. [1]
Take the full two minutes. That is about 30 seconds for each quarter of your mouth. A timer or a powered brush with a built-in timer helps. [2]
Brush your tongue gently if you like. It can help with breath. Different parts of the mouth host different bacteria; see why location in the mouth matters.
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
Every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. [1] If your bristles splay out within a few weeks, you may be pressing too hard. Our post on brushing too hard explains the signs.
Is there a wrong time to brush?
After acidic foods or drinks such as citrus, soda or wine, wait about an hour before brushing. Acid softens enamel for a while, and saliva needs time to harden it again. [4]
Is brushing enough on its own?
No. A toothbrush doesn't reach well between teeth, so clean between them once a day with floss, interdental brushes or another cleaner that works for you. [2] Our home care instructions cover the rest of a daily routine. For a quick checklist, see five daily habits for healthy teeth.
Can someone check my technique?
Yes. Bring your toothbrush to your next visit and we'll watch how you brush and suggest small changes. To schedule, call our office at 904-398-1549 or contact us.
Sources
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Brushing your teeth. Accessed October 6, 2026.
American Dental Association. Home oral care. Accessed October 6, 2026.
Yaacob M, Worthington HV, Deacon SA, et al. Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(6):CD002281. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002281.pub3 (retrieved via PubMed)
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Dietary acids and your teeth. Accessed October 6, 2026.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.