1. Daily double: Brush for two minutes, twice a day
The Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Most of us brush for only about 45 seconds—not even close to two minutes. To get an idea of what two minutes actually feels like, set a timer or play a song while brushing your teeth. Be sure to wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating or drinking, since that’s when they are at their softest and most vulnerable.
2. Easy does it: Brush softly to best clean and protect enamel
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush gently.
You shouldn’t brush your teeth with the same force you might use to scrub the dishes. Studies show that excessively vigorous brushing can damage enamel. Use a soft-bristled brush and try gripping it like a pencil to help get the right angle for gentle brushing.
3. Leave no tooth behind: Brush thoroughly and carefully
One widely recommended technique is to brush in small circles with short, tooth-wide strokes. Be sure to brush the outer, inner, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. You have two minutes to fill so you might as well brush thoroughly. One trick is to pretend you’re painting your teeth and cover the entire surface of each tooth with the brush.
Daily double: Brush for two minutes, twice a day
The Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Most of us brush for only about 45 seconds—not even close to two minutes. To get an idea of what two minutes actually feels like, set a timer or play a song while brushing your teeth. Be sure to wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating or drinking, since that’s when they are at their softest and most vulnerable.
Easy does it: Brush softly to best clean and protect enamel
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush gently.
You shouldn’t brush your teeth with the same force you might use to scrub the dishes. Studies show that excessively vigorous brushing can damage enamel. Use a soft-bristled brush and try gripping it like a pencil to help get the right angle for gentle brushing.
Leave no tooth behind: Brush thoroughly and carefully
One widely recommended technique is to brush in small circles with short, tooth-wide strokes. Be sure to brush the outer, inner, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. You have two minutes to fill so you might as well brush thoroughly. One trick is to pretend you’re painting your teeth and cover the entire surface of each tooth with the brush.
