How to Brush Your Teeth

Steps

1. Use a mouthwash rinse first so as to kill most of the bacteria before rubbing them around the rest of your mouth.
2. Floss before brushing, so that there isn't a large barrier of bacterial plaque between the brush and your teeth.
3. Wet your toothbrush slightly.
4. Squeeze a pea-size amount of toothpaste onto a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride and bear the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.
5. Use short, back-and-forth brushing motions to clean the outside and inside surfaces of the teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces. Follow with up-and-down motions to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
6. Brush along the gum line. This is extremely important, as gum disease starts here. Brush gently to avoid damaging your gums. Make sure to brush your back molars, where bacteria like to hide.
7. Open your jaws, and brush the tops and back of your teeth. Make sure you clean all of your teeth.
8. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
9. Spit into a sink.
10. Wash your mouth out with water to remove all remaining toothpaste.

Tips

• Brushing should take about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, no more, no less.
• Get a soft toothbrush; the packaging should identify it as such. Never use medium or hard brushes because they can damage your gums and cause recession.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and after each meal if you can. You might want to set a brushing schedule so you keep at it.
• When your toothbrush bristles fray out or become too soft, usually after 3 months, it is time to get a new toothbrush. (You can find toothbrushes that change color when the brush is ready to be thrown out.)
• Don't brush too hard, as it might make your gums bleed and cause unnecessary damage.
• Visit a dentist at least once a year for an exam and x-rays, and a cleaning.
• Consider using mouthwash after you brush for a fresh, clean feeling and added protection against gingivitis, etc.
• Floss daily.
• Carry sugar-free gum with you.

Warnings

• Never use someone else's toothbrush. You can transfer germs, bacteria, and diseases through microscopic cuts in your mouth.
• Do not go two or more days without brushing your teeth. If you do, your mouth can become very nasty and you increase your risk of periodontal disease and cavities.