How Long Should You Brush With an Electric Toothbrush?
Short answer
Two minutes, twice a day. That is the advice from the American Dental Association and the NHS, and it is the same for electric and manual brushes. Oral-B electric toothbrushes, including the iO6, have a built-in two minute timer, so you do not have to count.
How does the timer help?
Most people brush for less time than they think. A built-in timer takes the guesswork out. Oral-B's timer also signals every 30 seconds, which splits two minutes into four even parts: upper right, upper left, lower left and lower right.
How do you brush with an electric toothbrush?
- Put a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the head.
- Place the head against your teeth before switching it on, so the toothpaste does not splash.
- Guide the head slowly from tooth to tooth, holding it on each one for a moment. Let the brush do the scrubbing.
- Cover the outer, inner and chewing surfaces, and angle the head toward the gumline.
- Move to the next quarter of your mouth each time the timer signals.
Should you rinse after brushing?
No. Spit out the excess toothpaste but do not rinse. The NHS explains that rinsing washes away the fluoride left on your teeth.
When should you brush?
Last thing at night and at one other time during the day, the NHS advises. The night brush matters most, because it leaves fluoride on your teeth while you sleep.
Is two minutes with an electric brush better than two minutes with a manual one?
Yes. A Cochrane review of 56 trials found electric toothbrushes reduced plaque and gum inflammation more than manual brushes. See the full comparison.
Sources and evidence
- American Dental Association, "Toothbrushes": two minutes, twice a day.
- NHS, "How to keep your teeth clean" (reviewed 2025): brushing time, when to brush, spit do not rinse.
- Cochrane, powered compared with manual toothbrushes (2014): 56 trials.
- Oral-B, electric toothbrush product information: two minute timer, 30 second intervals.
Related questions
Should you floss before or after brushing?
Floss first. See the full answer.
Can you brush for too long with an electric toothbrush?
Two minutes is the recommendation. Pressing too hard matters more than an extra few seconds.
How often should you replace an electric toothbrush head?
Every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed, according to the American Dental Association.
Relevant products
General information only, not dental advice.