How to use an electric toothbrush properly

Before you start

Make sure the brush is charged and the head is clicked firmly in place. Use a fluoride toothpaste; the NHS gives the strength to look for on its teeth cleaning page. A pea-sized amount is enough for adults.

If the brush is new to you, start on a gentle mode for the first week or two. Many sonic brushes have an easy-start feature that builds up power over the first sessions.

Step by step

The NHS advises spitting rather than rinsing after brushing so the fluoride stays on your teeth for longer.

1. 1

   Wet the head and add a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

2. 2

   Put the head in your mouth before you switch on, so the toothpaste does not splatter.

3. 3

   Switch on and start with the outer surfaces of one quarter of your mouth.

4. 4

   Angle the bristles at about 45 degrees towards the gumline.

5. 5

   Guide the head slowly from tooth to tooth. Do not scrub.

6. 6

   When the timer pulses after about 30 seconds, move to the next quarter.

7. 7

   Cover the outer, inner and biting surfaces of every tooth.

8. 8

   After two minutes, switch off, spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse.

Oscillating and sonic technique

With an oscillating brush such as an Oral-B iO, place the round head on one tooth, hold it there for a couple of seconds while it rotates, then move to the next. Follow the curve of each tooth and the gumline.

With a sonic brush such as a Philips Sonicare, place the oval head against the teeth and glide it slowly along in small movements. The high-speed vibration does the cleaning, so there is no need to press or scrub.

Our explainer on sonic vs oscillating toothbrushes covers the differences between the two motions.

How long to brush and when

The NHS advises brushing for about two minutes, last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. Most electric brushes have a built-in two-minute timer that pulses every 30 seconds, which divides your mouth into four quarters.

If your brush has a longer mode, that is fine, but two minutes covers the NHS advice. Avoid brushing straight after acidic food or drink; some dental teams suggest waiting a while. Ask your dentist if you are unsure.

Pressure sensors and modes

If your brush has a pressure sensor, watch for the light. A red light usually means you are pressing too hard; on Oral-B iO models a green light means the pressure is right. Ease off when it warns you. Our guide to pressure sensors explains each brand's signals.

Most people only need the standard clean mode. Sensitive modes slow the head for a gentler feel. Whitening and gum care modes change the pattern but do not replace good technique. See brushing modes explained. If you want a brush built around gentle brushing, our gentle mode guide compares models with pressure sensors.

Common mistakes

Use our brush-head planner to keep track of when heads are due, and read how often to change a toothbrush head.

• Scrubbing back and forth as you would with a manual brush.
• Pressing hard enough to set off the pressure light.
• Stopping before the two-minute timer ends.
• Missing the inner surfaces and the backs of the last teeth.
• Rinsing with water straight after brushing.
• Using a worn head; replace it about every three months, as the NHS advises.

Note:If your gums bleed regularly, feel sore or you notice changes in your mouth, see a dentist. A toothbrush cannot diagnose or treat a problem.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I brush with an electric toothbrush? About two minutes, twice a day, in line with NHS advice. The built-in timer helps.

Should I move an electric toothbrush up and down? No. Guide it slowly over each tooth and let the head do the work.

Can I use any toothpaste? Use a fluoride toothpaste. Very abrasive whitening pastes are best avoided; ask your dentist if unsure.

Do I still need to clean between my teeth? Yes. NHS guidance includes cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes. See water flosser vs string floss.