How to brush your teeth

• Brush your teeth twice a day. Last thing at night and at one other time – normally in the morning.
• A small or medium brush head is best with medium bristles so that you can reach all parts of your mouth. Change your toothbrush every three months when possible.
• Use a pea-sized amount of a fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 to 1500ppm of fluoride (you can find out this information on the back of the tube of toothpaste).
• Spit, don’t rinse. After brushing your teeth, spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse your mouth. This lets the fluoride in the toothpaste stay on your teeth or longer, helping to make them stronger.
• Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth and tilt the bristle tips towards the gum line at 45 degrees. You can need to clean both the tooth and the gum line. Use smaller, circular movements or vibrations. Brush the outsides, insides and chewing surfaces of your teeth, brushing each tooth surface for five seconds. Brushing your teeth should take two to three minutes total.
• As well as brushing, you should be using interdental brushed or floss at least once a day in between your teeth. This is to reach the place that the brush cannot.
• Don’t forget to stick to good eating habits – try to avoid sugary snacks and drinks in between meals.
• Finally, make sure you have regular dental appointment and check-ups – as often as your dentist recommends.

Following these actions will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.