What are the best habits to maintain when brushing teeth?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Brushing your teeth twice daily is one of the most effective ways to maintain oral health. Using proper technique—gentle circular motions along the gumline for two minutes—combined with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, prevent cavities, and strengthen enamel. Consistent brushing also reduces the risk of gum disease and bad breath.

If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, bleeding gums, or other oral health concerns, don't wait to find out what's going on. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly identify possible causes and guide you toward the right next steps—whether that's a dental visit, at-home care, or a specialist referral. It takes just a few minutes and could save you time, discomfort, and costly complications down the road.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if brushing habits cause your symptoms Discover likely causes of tooth brushing pain See whether symptoms need care today Find OTC relief for mouth irritation Find a dentist for brushing-related concerns Understand home remedies for tooth sensitivity Find out if brushing symptoms signal disease

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Brushing your teeth is important to keep them healthy and clean. Here are some good habits to follow:

Brush Twice a Day: It is best to brush your teeth two times every day, once in the morning and once before bed. This helps remove food and plaque that can cause cavities.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps make your teeth strong. Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride in it.
Use Proper Technique: When brushing, use a gentle, circular motion. Don't brush too hard, as this can hurt your gums. Make sure to brush all parts of your teeth, including the front, back, and top.
Brush for Two Minutes: Each time you brush, do it for two minutes. You can use a timer or play a short song to help you know when two minutes is up.
Replace Your Toothbrush: Get a new toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles look worn.

By following these habits, you can help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Remember, regular brushing is an important part of taking care of your teeth. If you're experiencing any tooth pain or other dental symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort.

(References)

Ganss C, Schlueter N, Preiss S, & Klimek J. (2009). Tooth brushing habits in uninstructed adults. Clinical oral investigations, 18853203.
Albertsson KW, & van Dijken JW. (2010). Awareness of toothbrushing and dentifrice habits in .... Swedish dental journal, 20701215.
Ashley P. (2001). Toothbrushing: why, when and how?. Dental update, 11819948.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.