Reviewed by the DECMA clinical team · Last updated: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Brushing removes plaque, the soft, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. If plaque is left, it causes tooth decay and gum disease, and it hardens into tartar that only a dental professional can remove.
The basics
- Twice a day, for two minutes. Brush last thing at night and at one other time during the day, usually in the morning.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay. For adults, choose a toothpaste with 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride (check the tube).
- Spit, don't rinse. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but don't rinse with water. This leaves fluoride on your teeth for longer.
How to brush
- Hold the brush at a slight angle towards the gum line.
- Use small, gentle circular movements. Hard scrubbing can damage gums and wear enamel.
- Clean every surface: the outside, the inside and the chewing surfaces of every tooth.
- Brush along the gum line, where plaque collects most.
- Finish by gently brushing your tongue.
A manual or electric toothbrush both work well if you use them properly. Choose a small head with soft or medium bristles, and replace it every three months, or sooner if the bristles are splayed.
Brushing children's teeth
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Under 3 years: use a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- From 3 to 6 years: use a pea-sized amount.
- Help or supervise brushing until about the age of 7, when most children can brush well on their own.
When to ask for advice
Book a check-up if your gums bleed often, your teeth are sensitive or you notice a change you are unsure about. Bleeding gums are usually a sign that plaque is being left behind, not a reason to stop brushing.