Oral health education
How to Brush Properly
Gentle, consistent brushing protects enamel, keeps gums healthy, and prevents cavities. Use these steps to make every brushing session effective.
The basics
Three habits that do the heavy lifting
Brush twice daily
Aim for morning and night, about two minutes each time.
Use a soft brush
Soft bristles protect gums while still removing plaque.
Fluoride matters
A smear or pea-sized amount strengthens enamel.
Brush along
Two minutes, four little zones
2:00
Press start, then brush each quarter of your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Top left
- Top right
- Bottom right
- Bottom left
Tip: let kids press start. Grown-ups brush along, too.
Technique
Step-by-Step Technique
Step 1: Place the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
Step 2: Use small, gentle circles instead of hard back-and-forth scrubbing.
Step 3: Brush outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Step 4: Spend extra time on the back molars where plaque builds up.
Step 5: Brush your tongue to reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
Step 6: Spit after brushing and avoid rinsing to keep fluoride working.
For every age
Age-Based Guidance
Under 3
Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Ages 3–6
Use a pea-sized amount and supervise.
Ages 7+
Encourage independence but check for thoroughness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Scrubbing too hard, which can irritate gums.
- Skipping the gumline and back teeth.
- Not replacing your brush every 3 months.
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