It’s one of the great dental commandments – brushing twice a day – and that’s what the NHS recommends, external.
But Dr Sharma says the real key is quality, not quantity.
“If you can find time, then yes, twice a day,” he says. “But it’s better to do it once a day well rather than twice quickly.”
If you are brushing once a day then he recommends it be in the evening and make sure you also floss.
Of course, no one likes flossing, but Dr Sharma says using interdental brushes, particularly rubber ones, can make it easier and less painful.
When it comes to the method, each tooth has an outer, biting and inner surface and all three need to be brushed.
Dr Sharma advises small circular motions over each surface without applying too much pressure. He also says to pay particular attention to the junction between the tooth and the gum as that’s where gum disease can occur.
Dr Xand says it’s important to “focus on the sensation of the bristles” and approach tooth brushing mindfully, not scrolling on your phone at the same time.