Tips to help you brush your teeth better according to experts

Brushing your teeth is a seemingly simple daily hygiene task, but many people are still doing it wrong. In fact, there are many different brushing techniques that will help you maximize the benefits of your oral health.

Brushing your teeth not only makes your teeth whiter and your breath fresher, but it is also an active part of maintaining your oral health and overall health. When you brush your teeth properly, you not only help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but you also promote healthy blood circulation and even fight heart disease associated with poor oral hygiene. Here are some expert tips on how to brush your teeth properly.

Simple tips to help you have healthy teeth

Do not rinse your mouth immediately after brushing your teeth.

Although it may feel hypnotic to spit out toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water after brushing, it's actually better to leave the toothpaste on your teeth for a few minutes.

Because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, leaving toothpaste on your teeth for at least 15 minutes after brushing can help your enamel resist cavity-causing acids better. Not rinsing immediately can help the fluoride work even better.

Use fluoride toothpaste

Although there are many fluoride-free toothpaste options available, most dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste.

It is important to use a fluoride toothpaste, any toothpaste that is ADA approved because Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel.

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and food that the ADA1 calls a 'natural cavity fighter.' According to the ADA, fluoride helps 'rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay .' When you brush with fluoride toothpaste, the fluoride coats the surface of your teeth, providing immediate benefits.

Don't brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods.

Just had a glass of orange juice in the morning or a late-night snack of sour candy? It's best to hold off on brushing for a bit.

This is because acid softens the surface of your teeth. Tooth enamel can be weakened if you brush your teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Wait 30 minutes for your saliva to wash away the acid and allow your enamel to harden or remineralize. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid.

Brush your teeth at a 45 degree angle

When brushing, the toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently moved back and forth in short, horizontal strokes across the teeth. This helps clean the area where the teeth and gums meet, which is important because this is one of the areas where bacteria and food particles often get stuck.

Jessica Tanner

Update 05 August 2025