Rinsing the mouth with an antibacterial mouth rinse prior to brushing may reduce the amount of bacteria that builds up on a toothbrush, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

When brushing, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be sufficient to get the teeth clean, as the paste foams when the teeth are brushed. Experts recommend that only water be used to cleanse a child’s teeth until at least 6 months of age. For children under the age of 6 years, use a small amount of toothpaste when brushing the teeth. Too much toothpaste can put the child at the risk of developing white and brown spots on the teeth (fluorosis). Squeeze the paste onto the top half of the brush’s bristles.

Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth. This helps the bristles to reach the space between the teeth and gums. Experts differ about the best motion to use when brushing. Some advocate short back-and-forth motions, whereas others advise patients to brush up and down. Still others advise patients to brush in a circular motion. Regardless of which technique is used, it is important not to scrub too hard, as this can cause the gums to recede and expose the tender root surface.

Do not move the brush more than half the length of a tooth, and only brush two to three teeth at a time before moving on. Clean the top and bottom of both the outside and inside of the teeth. When reaching behind the upper and lower front teeth, it helps to hold the brush vertically, use the bristle at the end of the brush and gently scrub.

The chewing surfaces on the back teeth also need to be cleaned because food can easily become stuck in crevices. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion when cleaning these teeth. Finally, brush the tongue to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. Overall brushing time should take at least three minutes. It may help some patients to use a timer or to play a recording of a song that lasts that length of time.

Once brushing is completed, thoroughly rinse the brush under tap water. Store the brush in an upright position and allow it to air dry. It is important to keep stored brushes separate so that the bristles are not touching. This helps prevent contamination from one brush to another.

Whenever possible, it is best to avoid storing a brush in a closed container, which can promote the growth of microorganisms. There is no evidence that soaking a toothbrush in antibacterial solution or using a commercially available toothbrush sanitizer has any effect on oral health, according to the ADA.

In some cases, a person may have to brush the teeth of another. For example, children, the elderly and disabled people may need help brushing. Before brushing the teeth of children or the mentally disabled for the first time, try to reassure them that brushing is painless and explain each step of the process before performing it. Anxieties typically dissipate quickly as brushing becomes a predictable routine. Also, remind children and others not to swallow toothpaste.