Proper brushing techniques, which include brushing your inner cheeks, help
ensure you effectively remove bacteria from your mouth. Too much bacteria
in your mouth can lead to serious problems, such as gingivitis, which
can lead to gum disease.

The Proper Brushing Techniques for Adults

Step 1: Brush At Least Two Minutes

Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes
helps ensure you are getting your teeth thoroughly clean. However, avoid
applying too much pressure as it can scratch the enamel and damage delicate
gum tissue.

To ensure you’re brushing at least two minutes, simply time yourself
using a timer, which will give a feel for approximately how long it takes.

Step 2: Brush the Gum Line

While tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle, gently sweep outwardly along
the gumline.

Step 3: Clean the Outer, Inner, and Chewing Surfaces of Your Teeth

Hold the brush vertically, and then use short back-and-forth strokes to
gently brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

Step 4: Brush Your Tongue

Gently brush your tongue, the area below your tongue, your cheeks, your
upper and lower inner lips, and the roof of your mouth to remove harmful
bacteria and sweeten your breath.

The Proper Brushing Techniques for Kids

Step 1: Use Just a Pea-Sized Amount of Toothpaste

Too much fluoride can be damaging to children’s growing teeth. Therefore,
use just a smear of fluoride toothpaste on your baby’s teeth and
just a pea-sized amount for children age 3 to 6.

Step 2: Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Brush your child’s teeth just as you would using the proper brushing
techniques for adults. Once they are old enough, simply have them practice
the proper brushing techniques on a toy with plastic teeth, which will
help prepare them for brushing their own teeth.

Step 3: Use Plaque Disclosing Tablets

Once your child begins brushing their teeth on their own, they may miss
important spots.

To help them learn to brush thoroughly, simply purchase plaque disclosing
tablets, which once they chew for 30 seconds and then spit out will mix
with their saliva to reveal where plaque is still present on the gum line
and teeth. Simply have your child brush again to remove any remaining
plaque, which also teaches them how to brush properly.

In addition to employing the proper brushing techniques to ensure a healthy
mouth, you should also schedule regular dental cleanings to help remove
any missed bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, or gum
disease.