When brushing your teeth it is best to place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, aiming the bristles of your brush toward the gum line.
The join between the teeth and the gum is a nice niche for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, so it is important to target this area.
Once you have the brush at the correct angle, all you need to do is jiggle the brush gently back and forward, only brushing one or two teeth at a time. Don’t be excessively vigorous but also don’t be too mild.
Remember. You are trying to penetrate the bristles into the gaps between teeth to remove very soft plaque.
You need to be systematic – brushing all teeth in order, inside and outside – and you really should do it in front of a mirror so you can see what you are doing.
It is important to only move the toothbrush up and down (not side to side).
Here are some websites you may wish to visit:
- Refer to this slide show for the correct way to keep your teeth sparkly and healthy: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-diabetes-dental-care
- This website has a great deal of information about brushing and other aspects of dental care: http://allaboutsmilesdmd.com/BrushingUpOnBrushing.html
- This website is aimed at parents but has very clear diagrams suitable for use in studying. http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy_teeth_for_children
- This website has comprehensive information about the types of teeth and growth patterns. http://library.thinkquest.org/08aug/01925/yourteeth.htm
- Pirate interactive game; Use your knowledge to make a teacher avatar walk the plank. http://www.firstschoolyears.com/science/ourselves/interactive/teeth.htm