Brushing your teeth may seem simple, but many people do it incorrectly, which can lead to cavities, bad breath, or gum problems. Here, we teach you step by step how to brush properly to keep your smile healthy.
How many times a day should I brush my teeth?
Although many people brush only once a day, this is not enough. Brushing frequency is key to preventing dental problems. The general recommendation is:
- At least twice a day (morning and night).
- Ideally three times (after each main meal).
Nighttime brushing is the most important! While we sleep, we produce less saliva, which makes it easier for bacteria to act.
Step by step for proper brushing.
It’s not just about moving the toothbrush quickly, slowly, or with force over your teeth. Here we explain step by step how to do it properly and calmly to remove the greatest amount of bacteria, plaque, and debris, and thus take care of your teeth.
- Use the right toothbrush
- With soft (not hard) bristles to avoid damaging the gums. cerdas suaves (no duras) para evitar dañar las encías.
- Small head for reaching difficult areas.
- Put in an adequate amount of pasta
- Adults: about the size of a bean.
- Kids: about the size of a grain of rice (if they cannot spit properly).
Use a fluoride toothpaste, unless we advise otherwise during an appointment.
- Divide your mouth into 4 sections
Upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right. Spend at least 30 seconds per zone. - Place the brush at a 45° angle
Aim toward the gum line. Use gentle, circular motions, moving from top to bottom (not side to side like a sawing motion). - Brush all surfaces
- Face external (the one you see when you smile)
- Face internal (the one that goes towards the tongue or palate)
- Face masticatory (the part you bite with)
- Don't forget the tongue and palate
Brush all surfaces. Bacteria also build up there. Brush them gently to help prevent bad breath. - Total duration: At least 2 minutes.
Okay, now that we have the general idea of how to brush correctly, let’s look at some common mistakes.
Common mistakes when brushing our teeth:
Although many people have good intentions, there are very common mistakes that end up damaging the teeth or leaving areas unclean.
- Brushing too hard
- Use worn-out brushes (they need to be changed every 3 months)
- Not cleaning the tongue
- Rinsing with too much water after brushing (it's better to spit, not rinse so much)
- Brush your teeth right after eating or drinking something acidic (wait 30 minutes)
What about floss and mouthwash?
The toothbrush doesn’t reach all the spaces. That’s why it’s necessary to use other tools to maintain more complete oral hygiene.
- Dental floss: Removes food particles between teeth. Use it at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
- Mouthwash: Helps fight bacteria, but does not replace brushing. Choose one recommended by your dentist.
Final tips
Sometimes, small details can make a difference. These simple tips will help you improve your routine without making it complicated.
- Brush in front of a mirror to have better control
- Use a timer or a 2-minute song
- If you have braces, implants, or special conditions, ask your dentist for personalized recommendations
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