How to Brush Your Teeth, According to Dentists

We don’t always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often should you wash your hair and more.

Regarding your health, one of the most important daily habits to adhere to is brushing your teeth. That’s because this practice can remove plaque and bacteria — both of which can wreak havoc on your mouth and overall health if left to fester. In fact, dentists we spoke with said that not brushing your teeth regularly and properly can lead to cavities, gum disease and even more serious issues like cardiovascular problems.

But simply running a toothbrush over your teeth quickly is not good enough. If you want to do everything you can to maintain good mouth health, there is a right way to brush your teeth. To help you get the job done properly, we asked dentists for their top tips — including the tools you need and how to do it. Here’s what they said.

SKIP AHEAD What you need to brush your teeth | How to brush your teeth properly | Essentials for brushing your teeth

What you need to brush your teeth

When you think of brushing your teeth, a good toothbrush and some toothpaste is probably what comes to mind. But, according to experts, floss and mouthwash are also super necessary to keep your teeth and gums clean. Below is what you should look for when shopping for key toothbrushing tools.

• Toothbrush: “I regularly see patients who show signs of tooth and gum abrasion from overly aggressive brushing,” says Dr. Scott Cardall, owner and orthodontist at Orem Orthodontics in Utah. “Hard-bristled toothbrushes can increase the risk of these abrasions.” So, whether you opt for a regular toothbrush or an electronic version, Cardall suggests focusing on those with soft bristles.
• Toothpaste: Walk down the toothpaste aisle at any store and you’ll likely be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options. How do you even begin to choose? “Pay attention to the ingredients,” says Cardall. “The most important ingredient to look for is fluoride, which strengthens enamel and slows the acid production of bacteria found in plaque, protecting the teeth against decay.” From there you can look for other benefits, like toothpastes specially formulated for sensitive teeth or to help whiten.
• Mouthwash: Similar to toothpaste, you want to look for a mouthwash with fluoride. “Additionally, consider one with antibacterial properties — which can help reduce plaque and gingivitis,” says Dr. Aditi Gupta, a family dentist at ACE Dental in Texas and member of both the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. “And, of course, something that will actually freshen breath is a nice added benefit.”
• Floss: Yes, flossing should be a part of your brushing routine — more on that below. But when it comes to buying floss, look for one that has a seal from the American Dental Association, which means it has produced scientific evidence that it actually works. “As an orthodontist, I also recommend a water flosser, “ says Cardall. “They are especially good for those who may have difficulty with the manual dexterity or time required for traditional flossing.” Water flossers work by shooting pressurized water between your teeth to wash out plaque and bacteria.

How to brush your teeth properly

You have your tools, now you’re ready to brush. The truth is, dentists don’t agree on the “right” way to brush. “There’s an ongoing debate about the correct order for flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash,” says Cardall. “Some people believe that flossing first, followed by brushing and then mouthwash, provides the best results. Others believe flossing should come after brushing.”

Gupta recommends brushing first, followed by flossing and then using mouthwash. “This sequence is important because brushing removes plaque and food particles from the teeth before flossing cleans between them. Finishing with mouthwash helps kill bacteria and freshen breath, creating a comprehensive oral hygiene routine that minimizes the risk of cavities and gum disease.”

Tips for brushing

If you want to achieve optimal results, you should brush your teeth morning and night for at least two minutes each time, says Cardall. But if you eat sticky foods or have the time for a midday brush, you should definitely add another session to your routine.

In terms of brushing, Cardall and Gupta suggest holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. “Then, use gentle circular strokes along the outer surfaces of your teeth and applying only gentle pressure to prevent recession of the gums and tooth abrasion,” says Cardall. “It’s also important to brush all outer, inner, and chewing surfaces, as well as your tongue to get rid of any bacteria buildup.”

Exactly how to floss

You don’t have to floss every time you brush your teeth, but experts recommend doing it once a day. “It helps to remove plaque and food particles in areas between the teeth that aren’t easily accessible by a toothbrush,” says Cardall.

If you use regular floss, gently slide it between your teeth using a slow sawing motion, says Gupta. “Then, curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape to help clean the sides effectively. It’s also essential to use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid redistributing bacteria.”

Essentials for brushing your teeth

Colgate Extra Clean Toothbrush

These toothbrushes won both a 2023 and 2024 NBC Select Wellness Award by continuing to cover all of the bases for a manual toothbrush. It has a textured handle for better grip, and is available in soft, medium or firm bristle firmness — though our experts agree that soft is what you should be using.

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

This electric model made our list of best electric toothbrushes thanks to its effectiveness and affordability. One charge gives you up to two weeks of battery life, according to the brand. It also has a slim, ergonomic handle, providing a comfortable place to grip. The toothbrush also comes with one of the brand’s Optimal Plaque Control brush heads.

Colgate Cavity Protection Fluoride Toothpaste

One of our favorite toothpastes, this tube from Colgate is a great basic fluoride toothpaste. It protects against cavities, thoroughly cleans teeth and freshens breath, according to the brand. This toothpaste has a 4.6-star average rating from over 3,880 reviews on Amazon.

Cocofloss Floss

Another NBC Select Wellness Award winner, this floss uses recycled polyester, vegan wax and coconut oil to access hard-to-reach areas while also soothing gums, according to the brand. NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman says that because the CocoFloss is thicker than a typical plastic floss, it was able to scrape out plaque and food very easily. It comes in 15 flavors, including Delicious Mint, Pure Strawberry and Unscented.

Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser

This option made our list of best water flossers. It has a 7-ounce water reservoir built into this cordless device’s wand and offers three pressure settings and four tip accessories, which you can individually store in the included travel bag. The charger magnetically attaches to the water flosser itself and charges the device in four hours, according to the brand. It’s available in colors like blue, white, rose gold and more. The Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser has a 4.3-star average rating from over 63,630 reviews on Amazon.

ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse

This anticavity mouthwash has a seal from the ADA, who says the mouthwash “is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent tooth decay.” It contains sodium fluoride as its active ingredient, as well as antiseptic ingredients like menthol and CPC. The 18-ounce bottle also has a built-in accurate dosage cup, so you just have to squeeze the mouthwash to fill the cup.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Scott Cardall is the owner and orthodontist at Orem Orthodontics in Utah.
• Dr. Aditi Gupta is a family dentist at ACE Dental in Texas and a member of both the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.

Why trust NBC Select?

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on how to properly brush your teeth.