Toothbrush timer: brush for 2 minutes, area by area

The NHS advises brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about 2 minutes. Brushing last thing at night is especially important, and you should brush at one other time during the day as well. Two minutes is longer than most people think. Without a clock, it is easy to stop after a few seconds on each side or to skip the same area every time. A toothbrush timer takes the guessing out of it and helps you build a steady habit.

This timer splits the 2 minutes into four phases of 30 seconds: upper right, upper left, lower left and lower right. Moving round your mouth in the same order every time helps you reach every surface, including the inside of your teeth and the chewing surfaces at the back. The NHS says it does not matter whether you use an electric or a manual toothbrush, as long as you clean all surfaces and use fluoride toothpaste.

Adults should use a toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride, according to the NHS. You can check the amount on the packaging. After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but do not rinse your mouth with water. Rinsing washes away the concentrated fluoride left on your teeth and reduces its protective effect. If your dentist has recommended a higher-fluoride toothpaste for you, follow their advice.

Cleaning between your teeth matters too, because a toothbrush cannot reach every gap. The NHS says regular flossing may reduce gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath by removing plaque along the gum line, and suggests flossing before you brush. Interdental brushes are an alternative, especially where there are gaps between teeth. The NHS advises against wooden toothpicks, which can damage your gums. Ask your dentist or hygienist which method suits your teeth.

Children's teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, including just before bed, and at one other time that fits your routine. The NHS recommends a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste for children up to 3 years old and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3 to 6. Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste afterwards rather than rinsing with water, so the fluoride stays on their teeth. Making brushing part of the bedtime routine helps children get used to it and makes it easier to remember every evening.

Keep helping your child until you are sure they can brush well on their own, which is normally until at least the age of 7. The timer can make brushing feel like a game: let your child press "Start", follow the four areas on screen and wait for the sound at the end. If brushing is a struggle, the "Pause" button gives you a break without losing your place. Ask your dentist for tips if your child finds brushing difficult.

If you have crowns, veneers, bonding, implants or braces, careful daily cleaning still matters. The Oral Health Foundation says good daily cleaning and regular dental check-ups help veneers last longer. Brushing in a fixed order with a timer makes it easier to clean around restorations and along the gum line, where plaque tends to build up. If you have braces or a lot of dental work, the "3 minutes" option gives you extra time.

Your dentist or hygienist can show you how to clean around your own dental work and which brushes to use between your teeth. If you have had treatment abroad, ask your UK dentist for a check-up when you are home, so they know what was done and can advise you on cleaning. A timer supports good habits, but it does not replace regular check-ups. If you notice bleeding gums, sensitivity or a loose restoration while brushing, book an appointment rather than waiting for your next routine visit.