Cleaning our teeth is something we should all be perfect at. After all, we're taught how to do it from a very young age and of course, we all brush them at least twice a day, every day, don't we! Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.

Our often chaotic lifestyles mean we're rushing to get out the door, giving our teeth only a cursory glance of the toothbrush before exiting the house. But, if you wan't to keep your teeth healthy or just keep them full stop, you have to brush them properly.

In case you've forgotten, this guide reminds you just how to do it.



Step 1: 
Squeezing the toothpaste. Rinse your toothbrush under cold water to soften the bristles and then apply a pea sized amount of your fluoride toothpaste. No more than this is necessary to properly clean your teeth.

Step 2:
Brushing the outer surfaces. Starting with the outer surfaces of your teeth, place the bristles of your toothbrush against your gumline at an angle of around 45 degrees. Now using small circular motions, gently work your way around each tooth, both upper and lower, while keeping the bristles close to the gumline.

Step 3:
Brushing the inside surfaces. Now repeat step 2 with all the inside surfaces of your teeth followed by the biting surfaces.

Step 4:
Behind the front teeth: To clean the backs of your front teeth, place your toothbrush vertically and make small circular movements with the top of your toothbrush. Use this action for both top and bottom teeth.

Step 5:
Don’t forget your tongue. We often forget about our tongue which can harbor bacteria and cause bad breath. You can gently brush your tongue with the bristles of your toothbrush or use the back of the toothbrush head if it has a special tongue cleaner.

Step 6: 
Cleaning between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t remove trapped food particles or plaque from between your teeth. In order to do this you can use dental floss, tape or interdental sticks. Break off a length of dental floss and tightly hold each end. Gently slide the floss down between your teeth and work it up and down against the edges of all your teeth. Rinse out your mouth with water or a mouth wash if you prefer.

Step 7: 
Repeat twice a day. Follow this routine for at least two minutes twice a day. This will help ensure your teeth and gums are in tip top condition and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy smile, fresh breath and fewer dental bills.

What You Will Need 

• Toothbrush (manual or electric)
• Toothpaste with fluoride
• Dental floss or tape
• Water
• Basin
• Mirror (optional)

Tips and Warnings 

• Always use fluoride toothpaste and ensure it’s appropriate for the age group i.e. children’s toothpastes have around half the fluoride of adult’s toothpaste. 
• Brush for a minimum of two minutes at least twice a day. 
• Use dental floss, interdental brushes or tape for cleaning between your teeth 
• Visit your dentist regularly, at least twice a year for checkups. This way any potential problems can be spotted early, making treatment easier. 
•  Limit sugary foods or drinks to mealtimes. The more frequently you expose your teeth to sugar, the greater your chances of experiencing tooth decay. 
• Change your tooth brush every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed 
• Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush is a matter of preference. So long as you brush your teeth properly, either type of brush will do. 
• Don’t brush too hard or you may cause your gums to bleed. 
• Don’t clean your teeth for at least half an hour after eating.