Brushing your teeth is an important part of your overall health and wellness. Ideally, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

Dentists and orthodontists sometimes recommend a different frequency for those with braces or specific dental issues.

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste helps reduce the risk of cavities (caries) and periodontal disease. Research shows that this amount of time is optimal for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

You should also floss between the teeth at least once a day. Occasionally, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend brushing more than twice a day.

Special Considerations

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people brush their teeth twice daily, regardless of age. Even babies’ teeth should be brushed as soon as they erupt.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, people who are predisposed to gum disease or trying to manage another dental issue may be advised by their dentist to brush more frequently.

Older adults may need to pay more attention to their dental health due to possible physical limitations like arthritis interfering with their brushing technique. Because this is highly individualized, it is best to talk with a dentist to determine how often you should brush based on your situation.

Brushing regularly becomes increasingly important as you age due to the connection between gum disease and dementia. Researchers found that people with signs of gum disease and mouth infections were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia than those without these conditions.

People With Braces or Other Orthodontics

If you have braces, your orthodontist will typically advise that you brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal or snack and before bed. If you are in school, working, or away from home, carry a small toothbrush and toothpaste with you.

You may also want to have an interproximal brush on hand. This small tool helps clean between teeth and around braces. If you are out and do not have a toothbrush, you can rinse with plain water to get rid of some of the food particles.

There is no concrete evidence indicating the best times of day to brush your teeth. Some experts suggest that brushing your teeth in the morning before you eat can help remove bacteria, increase saliva production, and provide a protective barrier over the tooth enamel.

The ADA does not recommend brushing your teeth right after you eat. Brushing immediately after eating, especially after eating something acidic like an orange or grapefruit, can damage the enamel of your teeth. Wait 30 minutes for the enamel to remineralize and build itself back up. You can also try drinking water after you eat, which will promote this remineralization.

Some evidence suggests that nighttime may be the most important time to brush your teeth. One study found that not brushing at night increases your risk of mortality. It may also increase your risk of heart disease.

When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Some people opt for a manual or traditional toothbrush, while others prefer an electric toothbrush, especially if they have dexterity issues.

Ultimately, select the brush you will most likely use consistently. Just make sure you look for the ADA seal of approval. This seal indicates that the toothbrush is safe and effective at removing plaque and reducing gingivitis.

You also want to be sure you use proper technique when brushing your teeth. This will ensure you care for your teeth and gums in the best way possible.

Here are some tips for effective brushing:

• Place the toothbrush against your gum line at a 45-degree angle
• Move the toothbrush gently back and forth in short strokes
• Brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces
• Aim to brush your teeth for two minutes, or about 30 seconds per quadrant
• Make sure you spit out the toothpaste as you go
• Rinse your toothbrush after each use and store it upright
• Spend time flossing your teeth either after brushing or another time during the day
• Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if you see a lot of wear

While not well studied, there is some evidence that compulsively brushing your teeth or being extremely vigorous with your toothbrushing could do more harm than good.

Engaging in overbrushing puts you at risk for dental abrasion, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession. Here is what you need to know about the risks of overbrushing:

Toothbrush Abrasion

Toothbrush abrasion, or dental abrasion, occurs when some of the tooth’s structure is lost due to damaging contact between the tooth and the mechanical forces of a foreign object.

Using your toothbrush aggressively for an extended period increases your risk of dental abrasion. In some cases, this practice can wear away at the tooth enamel. If continued, it could even impact your teeth’ dentin and cementum structures.

Some signs of toothbrush abrasion include worn, shiny, yellow/brown spots on the tooth near your gum line. A wedge or V-shaped indention of the tooth along the gum line, known as notching, can also indicate abrasion.

Tooth Sensitivity

When dental abrasion occurs, it can cause your tooth’s enamel to wear away. This can expose your tooth’s dentin layer and make your teeth feel more sensitive. Everything from the air to hot and cold foods and drinks can cause sensitivity, which can worsen if left untreated.

Gum Recession

Continuing to use improper brushing techniques can ultimately cause your gums to recede. When this occurs, the softer cementum of your tooth’s root is exposed and becomes vulnerable. You also may notice notching.

Having receding gums puts you at risk for tooth decay. It also can cause your mouth to become sensitive and painful.

Gum Bleeding

Excessive brushing could lead to gum bleeding. However, gum bleeding can also be a sign that you need to brush more often, especially if you have early stages of gingivitis.

Talk to a dentist if you notice your gums bleed frequently. They can help you determine the cause and suggest improvements in your toothbrushing practices.

Brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste can preserve your teeth, boost oral health, and improve your overall well-being.

What time of day to brush is usually a personal preference. Talk to a dentist for specific guidelines on the best time of day—and how often—to brush your teeth.