Brushing
How should I brush my teeth properly?
Brush twice a day, two minutes each time, with a fluoride toothpaste — one of them just before bed. Use a soft brush, go gently, and give every surface of every tooth its own moment.
What does good brushing actually look like?
Twice a day, two minutes each time — once just before bed and once at any other point that suits you. The trick is to picture giving every tooth its own little moment: the fronts, the backs, and the flat chewing tops, working around the mouth so nothing gets skipped. Two minutes feels longer than you think, so a timer or a song helps until it becomes second nature.
Reach for a soft brush and go gently. Scrubbing hard, like you're cleaning a braai grid, actually frays the gums and thins the very enamel we're trying so hard to protect. Small, patient circles do far more good than brute force.
The small habits that make it count
Angle the bristles slightly towards the gumline, where plaque loves to gather, and don't rush the back teeth just because no one sees them. When you're done, spit but don't rinse — that thin film of fluoride keeps working long after the brush is down.
Swap your brush, or the head, every three months or so, and sooner once the bristles start to splay. A frayed brush simply can't clean well no matter how diligent you are.
Common questions
Is harder brushing cleaner?
No — the opposite. Firm scrubbing wears down enamel and irritates the gums, making them recede over time. A soft brush and gentle, patient strokes clean just as well without the damage.
Does it matter what time of day I brush?
Bedtime brushing matters most, because saliva flow drops while you sleep and plaque acids get a free run overnight. Make one of your two sessions the last thing before bed.