How to brush and floss your teeth properly

The best way to brush your teeth

1. Brush for 2 minutes, twice a day

With a soft bristled toothbrush, use short, gentle strokes, brushing away from the gums and holding your toothbrush at a 45° angle to the tooth. Pay extra attention to where the tooth meets the gums and back teeth.

2. Have a routine.

Follow a routine to make sure each tooth and each surface is cleaned properly. Here’s an example:

• Clean the outer surface of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.
• Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.
• Clean the chewing surface. If there are any areas that still feel rough or furry, continue to brush until smooth.

3. Don’t forget to brush your tongue.

‘The surface of the tongue is covered with hairs, which means viruses or bacteria can build up over time and may cause infections,’ says Dimitri. ‘After brushing your teeth and gums, be sure to brush your tongue as well to keep your mouth fresh and clean. ’

4. Importance of flossing

Brushing alone can't reach the tight spaces between teeth where plaque and food get stuck, but flossing removes the debris and buildup your toothbrush can't reach.

5. Make flossing a habit

‘If you’re finding it hard to remember to floss, try putting up a sticky note on your bathroom mirror, keeping floss in sight like on your bathroom counter or even setting yourself a calendar reminder,’ says Dimitri.

“Find a time that works best for you, but the key is consistency - floss or clean between your teeth at least once a day, ideally before brushing.”

How to floss properly:

1. Remove about a 45cm strip of floss from the dispenser.
2. Wind the floss around your middle finger of each hand, leaving a 2–3cm section of floss open for flossing.
3. Use your index fingers to push the floss between your teeth.
4. Floss your top teeth first, then the bottom. Be careful not to push too hard and hurt your gums.
5. Move the floss up and down against your tooth and up and around the gum line. The floss should form a C-shape around the tooth as you floss.
6. Use new sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
7. Floss between each tooth as well as at the back of the last tooth.

Visiting Health Partners Dental regularly is the best way to help:

• Maintain healthy teeth and gums: Our team can recommend cleaning routines for your specific needs.
• Identify issues early: Catching problems early can save you time, money, and discomfort down the track.
• Enjoy a bright, healthy smile: Regular visits help keep your smile sparkling and boost your confidence.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your teeth and gums in great shape and enjoy a sparkling smile for years to come!

Article last reviewed August 2025