How to brush your teeth
Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it builds up and can cause tooth decay and gum disease. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, or when the bristles get worn or frayed.
The five steps below show you how to brush your teeth correctly.
Brush in the morning and at night before going to bed.
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft toothbrush.
Brush teeth and along the gum using a gentle circular motion. Start with the outside surfaces.
Repeat on the inside surfaces.
Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces. Spit out toothpaste, but don’t rinse with water.
Be sure to brush all surfaces: top and bottom, left and right, front and back.
Electric toothbrushes also do a good job of cleaning teeth.
'How to' dental information
How to brush charts are also available in Arabic, Chinese, Somali, Turkish or Vietnamese from our translated materials page.
