Recommended method
The French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) recommends brushing for 2 minutes, 2 times a day, with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, to remove plaque before it turns into tartar.
Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gum line and make small circular movements across all tooth surfaces.
- Brush from the gum toward the tooth.
- Brush the inner third, especially the incisors.
- Do not neglect the back molars.
A good way to master the technique is to brush in front of a mirror during the first weeks: it makes it easier to check the angle of the brush, the pressure applied and the areas that are systematically forgotten.
Divide the mouth into four zones (top right, top left, bottom right, bottom left) and spend thirty seconds on each: this split prevents spending too much time on the visible surfaces and forgetting the inner ones. Finish with the tongue, which concentrates a large share of the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
Useful complements
A toothbrush only cleans three out of five surfaces: dental floss or interdental brushes clean the spaces between teeth. Dr Hikmat, at Hikmat Dental Center in Agadir, reminds his patients of this at every scaling session.
Floss once a day, ideally in the evening, forming a C shape around each tooth. Interdental brushes are better suited to wider gaps.
- Dental floss or interdental brushes in the evening.
- Tongue scraper to reduce bad breath.
Fluoride mouthwashes provide an extra benefit for people at high caries risk, but they neither replace brushing nor flossing: used alone, they cannot mechanically dislodge plaque.
For patients with braces or prostheses, special interdental brushes and a water flosser reach the areas where floss is difficult to use; the practitioner recommends the right model during the visit.
Manual or electric toothbrush?
A well-used manual toothbrush is effective. The electric toothbrush improves plaque removal, features a 2-minute timer, and limits pressure. Cochrane reviews show it is more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
In Agadir, Dr Hikmat recommends it for patients with braces or prostheses, as well as for children.
Whatever the model, the rule stays the same: soft bristles, small circular movements and two effective minutes. The right habit is to replace the head or the brush every three months and to store it upright, in the open air.
Frequent mistakes
Excessive pressure abrades the enamel and causes gum recession. This is followed by too hard a brush, horizontal brushing, neglecting the inner surfaces, and an actual brushing time of less than 2 minutes.
- Brushing with horizontal back-and-forth movements on the gum line.
- Applying too much pressure, especially with a hard brush.
- Forgetting the inner surfaces and the molars at the back.
Gums that bleed when brushing should not lead to brushing less, but better: persistent bleeding is a sign of inflammation, the first stage of gingivitis, and a reason to consult. Brushing the sensitive areas gently, without avoiding them, often makes the bleeding disappear within one to two weeks.
The correct movement does not require force: the brush head should graze the gum, and circular brushing naturally replaces the horizontal back-and-forth that wears down the tooth neck.
Frequency, duration, and replacement
Evening brushing is the most important, as saliva production decreases during sleep. After an acidic meal, wait 30 minutes. A toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases, a large share of which is preventable with proper brushing and regular check-ups.
Habits are built early: accompanying the child during brushing until age 8-10, supervising the amount of toothpaste and setting the example guarantee that the gesture becomes a lasting reflex.
Finally, professional scaling remains essential: even perfect brushing cannot remove tartar that has already formed. An annual appointment makes it possible to check the technique, assess caries risk and intervene before lesions appear.
Frequently asked questions about tooth brushing
How should I brush my teeth properly?
Angle a soft-bristled brush at 45 degrees toward the gum line and make small circular movements across all tooth surfaces, for 2 minutes, 2 times a day, with fluoride toothpaste.
Manual or electric toothbrush: which one should you choose?
Both are effective if the technique is correct. The electric toothbrush makes the movement easier, respects the 2 minutes thanks to its timer, and reduces plaque in patients who brush too hard.
When should you replace your toothbrush?
Every 3 months, or as soon as the bristles are splayed or worn. Also change your toothbrush after an infectious episode.
Should you use dental floss?
Yes, once a day, ideally in the evening. The toothbrush does not clean the interdental spaces, which are the main starting point of cavities.