Brushing Tips - How to brush your teeth

Follow these simple guidelines to help keep your children smiling:

• Place a small amount of toothpaste – no bigger than a pea – on the toothbrush.
• Start by cleaning the chewing surfaces using short, back-and-forth strokes.
• For the outer tooth surfaces, place the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
• Use gentle short strokes, moving the brush back and forth against the teeth and gums. Do this also for the inner tooth surfaces.
• To clean the inner tooth surfaces, hold the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the lip of the brush
• Make sure the gumline and the back teeth are cleaned thoroughly.
• Dentists recommend brushing twice a day for 2 minutes.

To help you achieve healthy teeth and gums, you and your children should:

• Eat a good diet and avoid frequent sugary snacks. Sweet sticky foods, like lollies, are especially bad for teeth because they stick to the teeth and promote decay.
• Visit the dentist twice a year. A dentist or hygienist can remove the plaque build-up and tartar, check for cavities and ensure that your whole mouth is healthy.
• Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months, as recommended by dentists. Research shows that a worn toothbrush is less effective at cleaning than a new one.