If you can brush your teeth brilliantly twice a day, every day, you’ll reduce your risk of developing gum disease and decay dramatically. The problem is that many people know that it’s important to brush their teeth, but they don’t know how to do it properly. If you’re worried that your technique isn’t perfect, here are 5 top tips to help you:

Choose a brush with a small head: when you’re cleaning your teeth, you should reach into every corner and cover every individual tooth. If you’ve got a brush with a small head, it’s much easier to do this.

Set a timer: it’s not enough to whizz your brush around your mouth and hope for the best. We recommend brushing for at least 2 minutes each time. If you think you’re not brushing for long enough, it’s a good idea to buy a brush with a timer or to set a timer on your phone or watch. If you’re not brushing for 2 minutes, you may be at risk of cavities and gum disease.

Use fluoride toothpaste: fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen and protect the tooth enamel, reducing the risk of tooth decay. When you’ve brushed, avoid rinsing your mouth out, as this washes away the fluoride.

Swap your toothbrush every 3 months: if you can’t remember the last time you bought a new brush or brush head, this probably indicates that it’s time to replace your brush. If you’re brushing with an old brush, the bristles will be worn, and they won’t be as effective. Some brushes are fitted with coloured bristles, so that you can see when it’s time to buy a new brush.

Be gentle: you might think that the more force you put into cleaning your teeth, the better the outcome. However, we recommend adopting a gentle approach to brushing. If you’re too forceful, you can damage your enamel.