Basic Brushing

Brush your teeth twice a day and for two minutes each time. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride (FLOOR-eyed), a natural mineral that helps make your teeth stronger. It’s also important to clean your teeth with floss or another between-the-teeth cleaner every day. This helps remove bits of food and plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line that a toothbrush can’t reach. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush in a size and shape that fits your mouth comfortably. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn or frayed. Worn toothbrushes won’t clean teeth properly. Both manual and powered toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque. If you have hand, arm or shoulder problems that limit movement, a powered toothbrush may be easier for you to use. Supervise teeth brushing for children up to age 6—make sure they use the right amount of toothpaste and spit the toothpaste out. Begin brushing children’s teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in and until the age of 3 years, using a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. After age 3, use a pea-sized amount.