When Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Whether you brush your teeth as soon as you wake up or after breakfast, the important thing is to take the time to care for your mouth. Make it part of your morning routine and you’ll be less likely to skip it. Talk to your dental professional about creating an oral health routine that works for you. It’s also advisable to brush your teeth right before bed. You are at a risks for cavities and tooth decay, especially at night when there’s decreased salivary flow.^12,13 Nightly teeth brushing helps minimize risks of dental caries while also establishing a routine so you won’t forget to brush your teeth. Establish a nightly brushing routine early on in a person’s childhood to nurture good brushing habits that can be maintained for the rest of their life.^7,14

The ADA and most dental professionals recommend brushing twice per day.¹²

 

How Long Should I Brush My Teeth?

 

To brush your teeth effectively, you should brush your teeth for two full minutes each time, and be sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth and all areas of your mouth.² Your toothbrush should have soft bristles, which will help to minimize the chance of abrasion on your gums, and should be a size and shape that’s appropriate for your mouth and can easily reach all surfaces of your teeth.³ Brushing for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste each time has been shown to remove significant amounts of plaque.³

Brushing is only part of your daily dental care routine. Clean in between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes once per day to remove plaque and food particles still lingering in your mouth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.⁴ Always follow the regimen that your dental professional has given you. If you have any concerns, contact your dental professional immediately.

 

When Should You Change Toothbrushes?

 

Frayed and damaged toothbrush bristles won’t clean your teeth properly—it’s even possible that they may damage your gums.² You should change your toothbrush, or electric toothbrush head, every two or three months. If the filaments become worn or bristles become frayed or matted out before then, change your brush sooner.² Make sure you’re rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing to remove any debris and keeping it stored in an upright position so it can dry properly.³ It’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush if you’ve recently been ill; brushing with a contaminated toothbrush can introduce new microorganisms to your mouth which can affect your overall health.¹⁵

 

Tips for Healthy Brushing Habits

 

While most people brush their teeth on a regular schedule, many don’t brush properly. Make a few adjustments to your daily routine, and you’ll make a positive impact on your dental health in the long term.^1,2

• Brush once during daylight hours
• Brush once before bed
• Brush for two minutes each session
• Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes once per day
• Use fluoride toothpaste and follow the directions on the package or those given by a dental professional
• Spit, don’t rinse after brushing
• Change your toothbrush every two or three months, or sooner

Giving four minutes of time to your teeth each day can improve your oral health. Start today—and also tonight.