How long should you brush your teeth?

About two minutes each time, twice a day. Splitting the mouth into four quarters and spending thirty seconds on each is an easy way to make sure nothing is skipped.

Is it bad to brush for longer than two minutes?

A little longer is not a problem if you are gentle. Scrubbing hard is what causes trouble: it can wear enamel and push gums back. If your gums are receding or your teeth are sensitive, ask your dentist to check your technique.

Should I brush after a tooth extraction or oral surgery?

Follow the instructions you were given. They usually mean brushing your other teeth as normal while keeping the brush away from the surgical site for a time. If you are unsure, ask your dentist or surgeon.

Brushing timer · 2 minutes · 4 quadrants · Free

Two minutes, four corners

Most people stop brushing well before two minutes. Start the timer and it walks you around your mouth, thirty seconds a quarter.

Tool — Two-minute brushing timer

Ready

2:00

Upper right
Upper left
Lower left
Lower right

30 seconds a quadrant · Outer, inner and chewing surfaces · Gentle pressure

Table 1 — The basics

Brushing that does the job

How long	About two minutes, twice a day.
What with	A soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Hard bristles and heavy pressure wear gums and enamel.
How	Angle the bristles toward the gumline and use short, gentle strokes on the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Then	Clean between your teeth once a day, and spit out the toothpaste without rinsing hard, so the fluoride stays on your teeth.
Replace the brush	Roughly every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay.

Common questions

How long should you brush your teeth?: About two minutes each time, twice a day. Splitting the mouth into four quarters and spending thirty seconds on each is an easy way to make sure nothing is skipped.
Is it bad to brush for longer than two minutes?: A little longer is not a problem if you are gentle. Scrubbing hard is what causes trouble: it can wear enamel and push gums back. If your gums are receding or your teeth are sensitive, ask your dentist to check your technique.
Should I brush after a tooth extraction or oral surgery?: Follow the instructions you were given. They usually mean brushing your other teeth as normal while keeping the brush away from the surgical site for a time. If you are unsure, ask your dentist or surgeon.

General information · Not dental advice

A timer helps with habit. It cannot tell you whether your teeth and gums are healthy; a checkup can. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.

Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer

About this tool

This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.

Medical disclaimer

The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.