How to brush your teeth properly?

bristles on a toothbrush
© Paul Hill ()
Teeth cleaning equipment to purchase
For the majority of adults, a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles will be adequate. Choose a toothbrush with an angled arrangement of both long and short bristles.

Fluoride toothpaste
A fluoride-containing toothpaste should be used during teeth cleaning. Fluoride helps to avoid cavity formation. Children should only use a small amount of toothpaste – typically no larger than the size of a pea.

Children can use the same toothpaste as adults.

Mouthwash
Mouthwash may help to reduce plaque when used as part of a wider tooth cleaning regime. Some mouthwashes contain alcohol and these mouthwashes are unsuitable for children. Mouthwash should never be swallowed and children should always be supervised when using a product of this kind.

Dental floss
Floss can be used to dislodge food trapped between teeth, to reduce gum disease, and to remove plaque.

Your dentist will show you the correct way in which to use floss.

Brush types
Inter-dental brushes can be used to clean in between the teeth. Inter-dental brushes come in a range of sizes. Ask your dentist for advice on the correct size to use.

Tablets
Plaque-disclosing tablets dye the bacteria in the mouth so that it is visible to the naked eye. These tablets can be used to identify areas you need to pay close attention to whilst cleaning your teeth.
When to clean your teeth
You should aim to brush your teeth once in the morning and once before bed. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time. Refrain from brushing your teeth immediately after a meal as this can lead to dental damage.
How to clean your teeth Place the bristled head of the toothbrush against the teeth and tilt the tips of the bristles against the gum line at an angle of 45 degrees.
Move the toothbrush in circular movements, across the inner and outer surfaces of each tooth.
Clean both the upper and lower teeth and also clean their chewing surfaces. Tilt the toothbrush vertically to clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth. Finally, brush your tongue in order to remove any food that may be stuck on it.